Plastic Bag Recycling Dilemma: Discover the Right Way to Dispose!

NEW YORK (AP) — Soft, pliable plastics are commonly found in everyday items such as bubble wrap. These materials are ubiquitous and present significant challenges when it comes to disposal.

Disposing of these items in regular trash could cause them to linger in landfills for centuries, polluting the environment. In 2018, over 3 million tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps were discarded into U.S. landfills, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Additionally, placing grocery bags in residential recycling bins can disrupt the recycling process.

“These items tend to block the machinery used for recycling,” explained Erha Andini, a chemical engineering expert and science communicator based in Delaware.

Understanding how to manage these types of plastics is crucial, especially since their production is not expected to decrease. Efforts to reduce plastic production have been minimal, particularly in oil-producing nations, including the U.S., since plastics are primarily derived from oil.

The disposal methods for these soft plastics, also known as plastic films, can vary depending on the type of plastic and the local regulations.

While completely avoiding plastics may be difficult, there are straightforward methods to dispose of common types and additional steps you can take to minimize their impact on the environment.

“The issue is with the sheer amount of these plastics,” stated Gary Dusek, founder of Precious Plastic NYC. “Every small action counts towards a larger change.”

Here are some guidelines:

Recognizing Plastic Films

Different plastics exist, ranging from the harder types used in water bottles and takeout containers, to the softer plastic films. A good way to understand what constitutes a plastic film is to consider items like bread bags, cereal bags, and the overwrap used on bulk goods such as toilet paper.

To identify plastic films, you can look for the recycling symbol—a triangle of arrows with a number inside. This symbol indicates the type of plastic but does not guarantee that it can be recycled curbside.

Plastic films often bear the numbers two or four, indicating they are made from high-density or low-density polyethylene, respectively. These can often be recycled at designated drop-off points at local grocery stores or convenience stores.

Plastics that don’t have these numbers might be composed of multiple layers of different plastics. For instance, the film used to keep meat fresh might include five or more layers, according to Andini.

Placing these complex plastics in regular recycling bins, hoping they will be correctly sorted—known as “wishcycling”—can complicate the recycling of other materials, so exploring alternative disposal methods is advisable.

Proper Disposal of Plastic Bags

Rather than mixing plastic films with regular household recyclables like paper or cans, it’s better to use specific bins provided at grocery or convenience stores. Once collected, these plastics are processed by recyclers who convert them into new products such as outdoor furniture.

The company Trex, for instance, manufactures outdoor decking from recycled plastic films and offers a location finder on its website to help consumers find drop-off points, mentioned Stephanie Hicks, the company’s materials and recycling manager.

Before you drop off plastic films, ensure they are clean and free from food residue or significant wear. Remember to remove any incidental items like receipts from plastic bags before recycling.

Although some stores have phased out in-store recycling bins due to concerns about plastics ending up in landfills, other local organizations may accept donated plastics for different purposes.

For example, NOVA Creative Reuse Center in Virginia utilizes donated bubble wrap for art projects. Precious Plastic NYC repurposes plastics into new items like clipboards and hangers, accepting donations by appointment. Additionally, online tutorials can inspire you to transform old grocery bags into plastic yarn for crafting new items.

“Our goal is to remove these materials from the environment and repurpose them into identifiable products,” Dusek from Precious Plastic NYC remarked.

Reducing Everyday Use of Plastic Films

If recycling options are limited, consider decreasing your reliance on plastic films. Opt for reusable bags and containers when shopping and avoid products with excessive plastic packaging.

According to Meg Sobkowicz, a plastics engineering expert at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, while plastic wrap is critical for maintaining the freshness and safety of certain foods, it’s feasible to make minor substitutions, such as choosing loose produce over pre-packaged options.

Shopping locally and choosing second-hand goods can also reduce the amount of plastic packaging that comes with shipped items.

Reusing Existing Plastic Bags

Consider reusing the plastic bags you already have at home for multiple purposes, such as grocery shopping or as bin liners, to extend their usability before disposal.

Plastic bags used for newspaper delivery can serve as pet waste bags, or to protect items like wet swimwear or shoes while at the beach.

While some items will inevitably be discarded, it’s important to focus on making incremental improvements rather than striving for perfection, Sobkowicz advises. Small changes can have a positive impact, and every bit helps in reducing the overall waste burden.

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