How to Use Plastic Bag and Film Recycling

I’ve always wondered what kind of plastic you could put in the plastic bag recycling.  You know those bins in front of the grocery store?  In California, where I am, every grocery store is required to provide a plastic bag recycling bin.  I always figured you could only put grocery plastic bags in there.

Turns out there’s a lot of stuff that can go in there!  Here’s a list I found online. 

“Please recycle only clean, dry plastic bags and film. Remove receipts or any other items from bags.

“Examples include:

• Retail, carryout, produce, newspaper, bread, and dry cleaning bags (clean, dry and free of receipts and clothes hangers)
• Zip-top food storage bags (clean and dry)
• Plastic shipping envelopes (remove labels), bubble wrap and air pillows (deflate)
• Product wrap on cases of water/soda bottles, paper towels, napkins, disposable cups, bathroom tissue, diapers, and female sanitary products
• Furniture and electronic wrap
• Plastic cereal box liners (but if it tears like paper, do not include)
• Any film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle Label”

Wow, that is a lot.  I made a quick check through my kitchen and bedroom garbage cans and found a full bag of stuff.  I’m excited to start doing it.  I think it’s just a matter of getting a system in place and then remembering to bring it with me when I go shopping.  I found plastic packaging, ziploc bags, a gum package clear wrap, toilet paper package wrap, grocery bags, and sugar snap pea bags.

Here are some things you cannot include:

• Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
• Pre-washed salad mix bags
• Frozen food bags
• Candy bar wrappers
• Chip bags
• Six-pack rings