Plastic bags can’t go in household recycling bins – here’s what to do instead

United States residents discard millions of plastic bags. In 2018, over 3 million tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps were sent to landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This staggering number highlights the persistent environmental challenge posed by soft, stretchy plastics, which are nearly impossible to avoid and even harder to dispose of properly.

These materials, ubiquitous in grocery bags, bubble wrap, and various packaging, can persist for hundreds of years if discarded in landfills, slowly degrading and releasing harmful microplastics into the environment. The problem extends beyond landfills, as mistakenly placing these plastics in curbside recycling bins can severely disrupt the recycling process. Erha Andini, a chemical engineering expert, explains that once these plastics get shredded or even before, they can clog recycling equipment, halting operations and damaging machinery.

The production of these plastics shows no signs of slowing, with global negotiations for a plastic treaty stalling in recent years. The United States and other oil-producing nations have resisted limits on plastic production, which is predominantly oil-based. Given this reality, understanding how to manage these flexible products, known as plastic films, becomes crucial. While a completely plastic-free life is difficult, there are straightforward ways to handle the most common culprits and make a tangible difference.

Identifying plastic films is the first step. Unlike harder plastics found in water bottles or takeout containers, plastic films are soft and flexible. Experts suggest thinking of examples like bread bags, plastic cereal bags, and the overwrap for bulk items such as toilet paper. To identify the type of plastic, look for the classic three-arrow recycling logo with a number inside. This number indicates the plastic's composition, not whether it's accepted in your curbside bin.

Many plastic films are labeled with numbers two or four, signifying they are made of high or low-density polyethylene. These specific types can often be dropped off for recycling at designated bins in local grocery or convenience stores. However, items without these numbers are typically more complex, often made from multiple layers of different plastics. For instance, the plastic wrap used to keep meat fresh at the grocery store can consist of five or more layers of film, depending on its design.

Placing such films in general recycling bins, a practice known as "wishcycling," can actually hinder the processing of other recyclable materials, making it essential to consider alternative disposal methods. Crucially, plastic bags should never be placed in household recycling bins. Instead, these plastic films should be taken to specific drop-off bins found at grocery or convenience stores. Once collected, these bags are sent to recyclers who reprocess them into materials for new products, such as outdoor decking.

Trex, a company that manufactures outdoor decking from recycled plastic films, provides a locator on its website to help individuals find nearby drop-off points by zip code. Generally, grocery bags and soft plastics labeled with numbers two and four are accepted at these bins. Before dropping off items, ensure they are clean, free of food residue, and not overly degraded. Remember to remove any stray items like receipts.

While some grocers have discontinued in-store drop-off programs, many still participate, and new locations are being added. By taking the time to properly dispose of plastic films, individuals can make a significant impact. As Gary Dusek, founder of Precious Plastic NYC, notes, "It's a problem of volume. So literally the tiniest thing definitely moves the needle." By working together, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills and create a more sustainable future.

The impact of proper plastic film disposal extends beyond the environment. It also affects the economy, as recycling creates jobs and stimulates innovation. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the recycling industry generates over $117 billion in economic activity each year. By participating in plastic film recycling, individuals can contribute to the growth of this industry and support the development of new products made from recycled materials.

As the world grapples with the challenges of plastic pollution, it is essential to address the issue of plastic films. By understanding how to identify, collect, and recycle these materials, we can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and create a more sustainable future. It is a complex problem, but by working together, we can make a significant impact and create a better world for future generations.