GOOD TO KNOW
First, plastic bags cannot currently be recycled along with your home recyclables in your curbside bin. So be sure NOT to “bag up” your recycling; put it in your bin loose and bag free!
There are many different types of plastic bags and film that can be recycled when placed in the proper recycling location:
- Shopping bags
- Vegetable bags
- Dry cleaning bags
- Shipping bags
- Newspaper bags
- Plastic film/wraps from paper towels and toilet paper
- And more!
When plastic bags and film are recycled, the plastic is melted and then reshaped for a number of different reuses including lumber or little pellets which are then used for other plastic products.
Recycling rates for plastic bags and film are very low, only about 12% according to the EPA. However, the demand for plastic is very high, and recycling is the best way to help meet that demand.
GOOD TO DO
Reusing
- Hang a bag in your kitchen or pantry to stuff all your plastic bags and film into. This will make it easier for you to grab a bag to reuse when you need it.
- Reuse your plastic bags for trash can liners, collecting pet waste, wrapping fragile items when shipping, storing dirty clothes when traveling or bagging groceries the next time you’re at the store.
Recycling
- Add “recycle plastic bags” to your grocery list. When you’ve collected plenty of plastic bags and film, put them in your reusable shopping bag, and they’ll be ready to go to the store with you on your next trip.
- Don’t forget you can recycle plastic shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper bags, plastic wrap from toilet paper and paper towels, plastic bags from your vegetables and more!
- Plastic bags and film cannot be recycled in your home blue bin. They must be taken to a designated plastic bag and film recycling location. Visit A Bag’s Life for the nearest location to you.
