Plastic Bag Recycling

Keep plastic bags and wraps out of household recycling

Plastic bags and wraps are common in daily life, but they require special handling when it comes to recycling. While many plastic bags and film materials can be recycled, they should not be mixed in with household recyclables.

When plastic bags, wraps and other thin plastics enter the wrong recycling stream, they can wrap around equipment, slow down processing and create problems at recycling facilities. The good news is that recycling plastic bags and film is simple when you take them to the right place.

Why Plastic Bags Need Special Recycling

Plastic bags and thin plastic film are some of the most common recycling
contaminants. They can get tangled in recycling equipment, causing delays and making the recycling process less efficient.

When recycled properly, plastic bags and wraps can become useful materials like plastic lumber for decking, benches, playground equipment and other products. The key is keeping them clean, dry and separate from regular household recycling.

What Plastic Bags and Film Can Be Recycled?

Accepted items can vary by recycling location, but many plastic bag and film collection programs may accept:

Plastic shopping bags
Produce bags
Dry cleaning bags
Newspaper bags
Shipping bags
Plastic wrap from paper towels and toilet paper
Other clean, dry plastic film and wraps

Always check with the collection location before dropping items off to confirm what is accepted.

How to Recycle Plastic Bags and Wraps

Plastic bags and film should be collected separately and taken to a designated plastic bag or film recycling location, such as participating grocery, retail or home improvement stores.

To make it easier, keep a bag in your kitchen, pantry or closet where you can collect clean, dry plastic bags and wraps. When the bag is full, bring it with you on your next shopping trip and place it in the store’s plastic bag recycling collection area.

Do not bag your household recyclables. If your locality accepts household recycling, place accepted materials loose and follow local guidance.

Reuse Before You Recycle

Plastic bags can often be reused for simple everyday tasks, including:

Lining small trash cans
Collecting pet waste
Wrapping fragile items for shipping
Storing dirty clothes while traveling
Carrying groceries on another trip

Reducing plastic bag use is even better. Carrying reusable totes whenever possible can help cut down on plastic waste before it starts.

Find a Plastic Bag Recycling Location

Plastic bag and film recycling is often available at participating grocery stores, retail stores and home improvement stores. Look for collection boxes near store entrances, or check with the store before you go to confirm what they accept.

Collection options can vary by location, so make sure plastic bags and wraps are clean, dry and accepted by the program before dropping them off.

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