We strongly urge everyone to recycle anything and everything you possibly can!  Most US cities have a mandatory local recycling pick up along with the normal trash pick up. 

But some or all plastic bags are not permitted in local municipal recycling waste bins because in order to recycle plastic, all the different grades of plastic have to be sorted.  It requires a lot of work so the solution is to pre-sort plastic before it gets to the recycling facility.

You likely won't have to go very far to recycle your plastic bags and we encourage you to find your nearest recycling location specifically for your plastic bags! 

Usually, stores like Kroger, Walmart & Giant Eagle will have bins near the entrance of the store for plastic bags to be recycled.

Please use this website and search your zip code for the nearest drop off location 

https://bagandfilmrecycling.org/ 

What type of plastic bags can be recycled?

 Please recycle only clean, dry plastic bags and film. Remove receipts or any other items from bags. 

These items are typically accepted at drop off locations:

• Retail, carryout, produce, newspaper, bread, and dry cleaning bags (clean, dry and free of receipts and clothes hangers)

• Zip-top food storage bags (clean and dry) (**ALL JL Local Product Bags)

• Plastic shipping envelopes (remove labels), bubble wrap and air pillows (deflate)

• Product wrap on cases of water/soda bottles, paper towels, napkins, disposable cups, bathroom tissue, diapers, and female sanitary products

• Furniture and electronic wrap

• Plastic cereal box liners (but if it tears like paper, do not include)

• Any film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle Label (see image below)

Not all items are accepted at all drop-off locations. Check with your local drop-off to see what is accepted.

DO NOT include:

• Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging

• Pre-washed salad mix bags

• Frozen food bags

• Candy bar wrappers

• Chip bags

• Six-pack rings

What happens to plastic when it is recycled?

Like all plastics collected for recycling, plastic film can be recycled into many useful products. Plastic film can be used to make composite lumber for making decks, benches, and playground sets. Plastic film can also be reprocessed into small pellets, which can be made into new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipe.

Thank you for recycling!!!