Communities across the country are supporting efforts to
reduce,
reuse and
recycle plastic bags as the tried-and-true approach to responsible handling. These simple, common-sense steps can help reduce waste, prevent litter and keep our environment clean. And they're working!
Educating and encouraging consumers to make environmentally-conscious decisions about plastic bags is a practical alternative to imposing taxes during a recession, or banning plastic bags altogether. » Learn More
What You Can Do:
There are simple steps we all can take to reduce waste and make sure plastic bags don't end up as litter.
Reduce: Shoppers can always decline a bag at checkout (is a bag really necessary for carrying that pack of gum?).
Reuse: More than 90 percent of consumers reuse their plastic grocery bags at home for purposes ranging from waste basket liners to lunch bags to pet clean up. What new ways can you think of to reuse your plastic bags? » Learn More
Recycle: Next time you head to your local grocer or retailer, remember to return those shopping bags, dry-cleaning bags, bread bags, wraps from paper towels, bathroom tissue, napkins, diapers even the plastic bag that delivered the newspaper! Across the country, many grocers and retailers accept plastic bags and wraps for recycling. » Learn More
Recycling plastic bags and wraps is important because this valuable material can be made into dozens of useful new products such as low-maintenance fencing and decking, building and construction products, shopping carts, and of course, new bags!
Here Are Some Tips to Help You Recycle More of Your Bags:
Many grocers and retailers now offer collection programs that allow shoppers to return their used plastic bags and product wraps to be recycled. In most stores, plastic bag recycling bins are located at the front entrance or near checkout areas. Check with your grocer and other area retailers to see where bags are recycled in your community or visit http://www.plasticbagrecycling.org/01.0/ for a list of participating stores in your state.
Did You Know? A plastic bag or product wrap (see list below) is fully recyclable. But these products require a different type of infrastructure than plastic bottles and containers. That's why most communities collect bags and bottles separately. Plastic bottles and containers are often collected curbside, while major grocery chains collect used plastic bags and wraps that their customers bring back to the store. Bins are usually located at the front of the store or near checkout areas.
Tip: Store your plastic bags and product wraps in a recyclable plastic bag until you're ready to bring them back to the store, and click here to search for a list of stores that recycle plastic bags and wraps in your state.
Recycle the Following Wherever Plastic Bags Are Collected:
- All clean plastic bags labeled #2 (HDPE) or #4 (LLDPE)
- Grocery bags
- Retail bags (remove hard plastic or string handles)
- Plastic newspaper bags
- Dry cleaning bags (remove paper and hangers)
- Bread bags (with crumbs shaken out)
- Sealable food storage bags (with hard parts removed)
- Bags from boxes of cereal and crackers (with crumbs shaken out)
- Plastic wraps from products such as paper towels, bathroom paper, napkins, diapers, and cases of soft drinks
Make sure bags are clean and empty. Do not include used plastic food wrap, bags with food residue, or material that has been painted or glued, as other substances can contaminate the recycled material.