How to Recycle Plastic Shopping Bags

Plastic bags pollute beaches and water sources.

Shoppers in the United States use around 100 billion plastic bags each year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The plastic shopping bags increase landfill waste and endanger the environment. The bags clog gutters, pollute beaches and entangle animals and wildlife. Most curbside recycling programs do not accept plastic bags, but with a little ingenuity, you can recycle some plastic shopping bags.

Instructions

Prep the Bags

1. Check the label on the bottom or side of the bag. Any bag marked #2 HDPE or #4 LLDPE can be recycled. Bags marked #2 HDPE are widely accepted and can be recycled anywhere in the United States. Bags marked #4 LLDPE can be recycled through special recycling programs; not all states may have these programs in place.

2. Remove any trash or discarded items from the bag.

3. Clean out any food spills by running the inside of the bag under cold water. Allow the bag to air dry.

Find a Local Recycling Center

1. Visit Plasticbagrecycling.org and complete the form to find a local recycling drop off in your area.

2. Call your local grocery stores to see if they accept plastic bags. Many chain grocery stores, including Roundy’s and Wal-Mart, have a plastic bag drop-off program.

3. Call your local department stores to see if they accept plastic bags. Some national retail chains such as Kohl's have a recycling program.

Recycle Your Bags

1. Make sure the plastic bags are clean and dry.

2. Open one plastic bag. Ball up all the other plastic bags and place them inside the open bag to make an easy carrying case.

3. Deliver the bags to the recycling drop-off center. Many centers place drop-off boxes outside the front door.

Tips & Warnings

• Reuse non-recyclable plastic bags to cut down on waste. You can use them as storage, trashcan liners or to clean up after pets.

• If you must discard a plastic bag, cut the bag into smaller pieces with a pair of scissors to reduce the chance of animals trapping themselves inside the bag.

References

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Shopping Bags
• American Chemistry Council: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Resources

• Plasticbagrecycling.org