We see them everywhere, but one place we don't want to see those plastic bags and other variations of plastic film is in your curbside recycling cart. Plastic bags can be tanglers in the equipment at the recycling facility – like bubblegum in somebody’s hair!

While this type of thin plastic film is not recyclable in your curbside recycling, it can often be dropped back off at many grocery stores. There, the bags are recycled into things like speed bumps or outdoor furniture. 

Tips for Recycling at the Grocery Store
  • Make sure the bags are clean and dry

  • Do not include compostable or degradable bags, pre-wash salad bags, frozen food bags or material that has been painted or glued

Did you know?
  • The petroleum in 14 plastic bags could drive a car one mile!

  • Americans use over 14 billion plastic bags a year!

  • Plastic bags do not biodegrade in landfills!