Tackling the Plastic Pot Problem

As we’ve shared before, we are crazy about recycling here at M.J. Design. It’s a core value that we take seriously every single day, and we’re constantly striving to reduce our environmental impact in every way we can. One area where we’ve found it essential to focus our efforts is on the plastic plant pots we use in our work.

The photos below provide a glimpse into the reality of what our little, old company generates each year in terms of plant pots and waste. We’re fully aware that many contractors’ default answer is to just throw those pots away, sending them straight to the landfill. But that decision comes with a long-term cost – the black plastic commonly used in these pots can last thousands of years when buried underground. It’s a by-product of the “green” planting process that is anything but green for our environment.

One of the challenges we face is the spread of disease. Due to this, pots are rarely reused in nurseries as they must undergo a tedious process of cleaning and sterilizing before they could be used again for new plants. But here at M.J. Design, we don’t want to just throw them away. We go out of our way to ensure that as many of these pots as possible are repurposed or recycled. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Currently, we recycle approximately one full semi-load of plastic pots every other year. And when you consider that there are 357 landscape companies in Central Ohio alone, you can imagine the massive amounts of plastic waste being generated each year in our area. The issue extends beyond Ohio, too.  This is a nationwide, even global, concern.

But we’re not doing this alone. If you do your own planting at home, we welcome you to bring your black plastic pots to us for recycling. It’s one more way we can all make a small but significant impact on reducing plastic waste and keeping our planet greener.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us collect and recycle pots over the years. Together, we can continue to make strides toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Let’s keep those pots out of the landfill – drop yours off at M.J. Design today!