- 1Remove ALL receipts, stickers, labels, and paper attachments
- 2Ensure bags are completely clean and dry - no food residue or liquids
- 3Check that bags stretch when pulled (non-stretchy films may not be accepted)
- 4Bundle similar types together for drop-off
- 5Include bubble wrap, air pillows, and shipping cushions
- 6Remove any bags with tears or holes larger than your thumb
- Grocery store collection bins
- Retail store drop-offs (Target, Walmart)
- Hardware stores
- Some recycling centers
CRITICAL: NEVER put in curbside recycling bins - plastic bags jam sorting machinery and shut down entire recycling facilities. Only take to designated drop-off locations with specialized collection systems.
Can be recycled into new bags, composite lumber, playground equipment, and outdoor furniture. However, only 5% of plastic bags are actually recycled in the US. Bags that become litter harm marine life and take 20+ years to decompose. One plastic bag can kill marine animals if ingested.
- Reusable shopping bags
- Paper bags
- Cardboard boxes
- Cloth produce bags
- Basket or cart for shopping
Accepted
- Shopping bags from stores
- Newspaper delivery bags
- Dry cleaning bags (remove metal hangers)
- Bread bags and produce bags
- Food storage bags (clean)
- Bubble wrap and air pillows
- Shipping envelopes (plastic only)
Not Accepted
- Bags with food residue or liquids
- Frozen food bags (often multi-layer)
- Pet food bags (often multi-layer)
- Bags that don't stretch when pulled
- Degradable or compostable bags
- Six-pack rings (recycle separately)
Why can't plastic bags go in my curbside recycling bin?
Plastic bags jam sorting machinery at recycling facilities, causing expensive shutdowns and equipment damage. They require separate collection and processing systems.
What happens to plastic bags after I drop them off?
They're collected, baled, and sent to specialized facilities where they're cleaned, melted, and formed into plastic pellets used to make new bags, composite lumber, or outdoor furniture.
Can I recycle bags that held frozen food?
Most frozen food bags are multi-layer (plastic + foil or other materials) and cannot be recycled. Check if the bag stretches - if it doesn't stretch, it's likely multi-layer and not recyclable.
Do I need to separate different types of plastic bags?
Generally no - most drop-off locations accept all clean, dry plastic films together. However, remove any bags with non-plastic attachments like zippers or labels.
Are biodegradable or compostable bags recyclable?
No, biodegradable and compostable bags contaminate plastic bag recycling. These should go to compost facilities or trash, not plastic bag recycling.