How to Recycle Newspaper Bags

Newspaper bags might protect newspapers, but they are not environmentally friendly.

Newspaper distributors will often wrap newspapers in thin plastic bags to protect the paper from being exposed to outside elements. Subscribers receive these newspapers and their bags weekly and often daily. Over time, these plastic bags can contribute to a lot of waste in overfilled landfills. Instead of sentencing another bag to taking up space in a garbage dump, you might want to consider options for recycling your bags.

Instructions

1. Reuse your plastic bags before you consider recycling. In many cases, it is actually less energy efficient to recycle bags, which is why many centers do not accept them. It requires many bags to be able to yield only a small recyclable return, so it is not financially advantageous for companies to do it. Even getting one more use out of the newspaper bags before discarding is advised. After being cleaned and dried, these bags can be used to store food. They are also perfect for picking up animal waste.

2. Remove any waste from inside the bag. Do not take the plastic bag to a recycling center with the newspaper still inside. Newspapers should be deposited in a bin marked for paper waste. Recycling centers prefer bags that are clean and dry. If your newspaper bag became wet from morning dew or rain, hang it out to dry or dry it with a towel before taking it to a recycling center.

3. Look for collection agencies in your community. Many places have bins you can deposit your plastic newspaper bags in. While some might not accept these particular plastic bags, there are sometimes collection centers outside of larger chain stores or at local recycling plants. Ask whether the center recycles “number four” bags because these are the ones normally used for newspapers.

References

• Mother Nature Network: Recycle and Reuse Newspaper Sleeve Bags
• Plastic Bag Recycling: Consumers