Spring brings sunshine and daffodils, and it often leaves behind brightly colored plastic Easter eggs that have one use in your yard or home. Earth911 recently received an interesting reader question: When the egg hunt is over and the candy’s gone, what should you do with those hollow, reusable plastic shells?

At first glance, they seem like a perfect candidate for the recycling bin. Most plastic eggs are made from polypropylene, or #5 plastic, a recyclable material in many communities.

So can they go in your blue bin or be dropped at the local transfer station? The short answer: Not usually.

Why Plastic Easter Eggs Aren’t Curbside-Recyclable

Although many municipal recycling programs accept #5 plastic, plastic Easter eggs often fall through the cracks—literally. Their small size and light weight make them likely to fly into and jam sorting machinery at recycling facilities, the leading cause of worker injuries.

Many plastic eggs are made from low-grade or mixed plastics, sometimes with hinges or metallic coatings that complicate recycling. Unless your local program specifically says it accepts small rigid #5 items, your best bet is to keep them out of the bin.

Even when your local curbside program or transfer station takes rigid #5 plastics (check by adding your ZIP Code to this Earth911 search), call to check if plastic Easter eggs are accepted.

Reuse Is the Best Option

The good news? These eggs are perfect for reuse and can last for years if cared for. Here are a few fun and sustainable ideas for keeping them in use:

• DIY storage: Use them to organize office supplies (like paper clips), craft materials, or tiny toys like LEGOs.
• Year-round scavenger hunts: Create educational games or treasure hunts for kids—indoors or out.
• Holiday repurposing: With a bit of paint and creativity, you can transform Easter eggs into ornaments for Christmas, Valentine’s treats, or Halloween surprises.
• Donation: Many churches, community centers, schools, and daycares gladly accept plastic eggs for future events. Check with local organizations in your area, especially in the weeks following Easter.

Can You Recycle Them Elsewhere?

While most curbside programs won’t accept these items, there is an alternative recycling option to explore.

Mail-In Recycling With TerraCycle

If local options don’t pan out, you can purchase a Dining Disposables and Party Supplies Zero Waste Box from TerraCycle, which accepts hard-to-recycle materials through a pre-paid mail-in service. While not cheap, the Terracycle service lets you mail in a wide range of party items, including utensils, and decorations.

Reduce First, Then Reuse & Recycle

Plastic eggs are a prime example of a product designed for one moment of joy, but can last hundreds of years in a landfill. So before you buy more next Easter, consider:

• Buy secondhand: Look for plastic eggs at thrift stores or community swaps.
• Go compostable: Consider compostable paper mâché Easter eggs, available online.
• Craft your own: Fabric or felt eggs filled with trinkets are reusable and customizable for kids of all ages.

While plastic Easter eggs aren’t great candidates for curbside recycling, they’re not destined for the trash. With creativity and care, you can reuse or responsibly recycle them, helping reduce seasonal plastic waste.