Eco Recycling Today
  • Home
  • Recycling
    • Recycling Near Me
    • Styrofoam Recycling Near Me
    • Recycling Revenue Estimator
      • Scrap Recycling Calculator
      • Metal Recycling Calculator
      • Plastic Recycling Calculator
      • Bottles Recycling Calculator
      • Cardboard Recycling Calculator
      • E-Waste Recycling Calculator
    • Waste Generation Calculator
    • Recycling Carbon Reduction Calculator
    • Recycling Quiz
  • Waste Management
    • Commercial Waste Management
    • Residential Waste Management
    • Hazardous Waste Disposal
    • Waste to Energy
    • Recycling Strategy
    • Recycling Grant
    • Recycling Equipment
      • Reverse Vending Machine
      • Balers
      • Compactors
      • Shredders
      • Crushers
      • Squeezers
      • Sorting Machine
      • Label Remover Machine
      • Dust Collection System
      • Washing System
      • Drying Machine
      • Mixer Machine
      • Pelletizers
  • Recycling Technology
    • Plastic Recycling
      • PET Recycling
      • HDPE Recycling
      • LDPE Recycling
      • PP Recycling
      • PS Recycling
      • PVC Recycling
    • Metals Recycling
      • Aluminum Recycling
      • Iron Recycling
      • Copper Recycling
      • Steel Recycling
    • E-Waste Recycling
      • Computer Recycling
      • TV Recycling
      • Battery Recycling
      • Light Bulb Recycling
      • Refrigerator Recycling
    • Cardboard Recycling
    • Wood Recycling
    • Paper Recycling
    • Glass Recycling
    • Mattress Recycling
    • Rubber Recycling
    • Textile Recycling
    • Tire Recycling
    • Biological Recycling
    • Curbside Recycling
    • Municipal Recycling
  • Resource Recovery
    • Plastic Recovery
    • Metal Recovery
      • Gold Recovery
      • Silver Recovery
    • Mineral Recovery
    • Oil Recovery
  • Products
    • Recycled Plastic Pellets
      • Recycled HDPE Pellets
      • Recycled LDPE Pellets
      • Recycled PP Pellets Black
      • Recycled PP Pellets Food Grade
      • Recycled PET Pellets White
      • Recycled PET Pellets Clear
      • Recycled PVC Pellets
      • Recycled ABS Pellets
      • Recycled EPS Pellets
      • Recycled EVA Pellets
      • PET Flake Blue
      • PET Flake Clear
      • PET Flake Green
    • Recycled Plastic Filament
    • Recycled Plastic Packaging
      • Recycled PP Bags
      • Recycled PET Bags
    • Biodegradable Pellets
      • PLA Pellets
      • PHA Pellets
      • PBAT Pellets
    • Biodegradable 3D filament
    • Biodegradable Packaging
      • Biodegradable Trash Bags
      • Biodegradable Mailing Bags
      • Biodegradable Tote Bags
  • News
  • Contact
My Account
Log in Register
English
Español
français
Eco Recycling Today
  • Home
  • Recycling
    • Recycling Near Me
    • Styrofoam Recycling Near Me
    • Recycling Revenue Estimator
      • Scrap Recycling Calculator
      • Metal Recycling Calculator
      • Plastic Recycling Calculator
      • Bottles Recycling Calculator
      • Cardboard Recycling Calculator
      • E-Waste Recycling Calculator
    • Waste Generation Calculator
    • Recycling Carbon Reduction Calculator
    • Recycling Quiz
  • Waste Management
    • Commercial Waste Management
    • Residential Waste Management
    • Hazardous Waste Disposal
    • Waste to Energy
    • Recycling Strategy
    • Recycling Grant
    • Recycling Equipment
      • Reverse Vending Machine
      • Balers
      • Compactors
      • Shredders
      • Crushers
      • Squeezers
      • Sorting Machine
      • Label Remover Machine
      • Dust Collection System
      • Washing System
      • Drying Machine
      • Mixer Machine
      • Pelletizers
  • Recycling Technology
    • Plastic Recycling
      • PET Recycling
      • HDPE Recycling
      • LDPE Recycling
      • PP Recycling
      • PS Recycling
      • PVC Recycling
    • Metals Recycling
      • Aluminum Recycling
      • Iron Recycling
      • Copper Recycling
      • Steel Recycling
    • E-Waste Recycling
      • Computer Recycling
      • TV Recycling
      • Battery Recycling
      • Light Bulb Recycling
      • Refrigerator Recycling
    • Cardboard Recycling
    • Wood Recycling
    • Paper Recycling
    • Glass Recycling
    • Mattress Recycling
    • Rubber Recycling
    • Textile Recycling
    • Tire Recycling
    • Biological Recycling
    • Curbside Recycling
    • Municipal Recycling
  • Resource Recovery
    • Plastic Recovery
    • Metal Recovery
      • Gold Recovery
      • Silver Recovery
    • Mineral Recovery
    • Oil Recovery
  • Products
    • Recycled Plastic Pellets
      • Recycled HDPE Pellets
      • Recycled LDPE Pellets
      • Recycled PP Pellets Black
      • Recycled PP Pellets Food Grade
      • Recycled PET Pellets White
      • Recycled PET Pellets Clear
      • Recycled PVC Pellets
      • Recycled ABS Pellets
      • Recycled EPS Pellets
      • Recycled EVA Pellets
      • PET Flake Blue
      • PET Flake Clear
      • PET Flake Green
    • Recycled Plastic Filament
    • Recycled Plastic Packaging
      • Recycled PP Bags
      • Recycled PET Bags
    • Biodegradable Pellets
      • PLA Pellets
      • PHA Pellets
      • PBAT Pellets
    • Biodegradable 3D filament
    • Biodegradable Packaging
      • Biodegradable Trash Bags
      • Biodegradable Mailing Bags
      • Biodegradable Tote Bags
  • News
  • Contact
English
Español
français

Search our store

Eco Recycling Today
Popular Searches:
foam plastic recycling
News

How to Recycle Plastic Bags and Film

Plastic bags and film are common in our daily lives, used for shopping, packaging, and food storage. While convenient, these materials can pose significant environmental challenges if not disposed of properly. The good news is that plastic bags and film are recyclable, but the process is different from standard curbside recycling. We’ll explain how to recycle plastic bags and film effectively and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. 

What Are Plastic Bags and Film?

Plastic bags and film are lightweight, flexible plastic materials commonly made from polyethylene (PE), including:

  • Grocery bags
  • Bread bags
  • Zipper storage bags (like Ziploc®)
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Bubble wrap and air pillows
  • Plastic wrap from packaging (e.g., around water bottles or paper towels)

How to Recycle Plastic Bags and Film Properly

1. Identify Recyclable Plastic Film

Look for the recycling symbol with numbers #2 (HDPE) or #4 (LDPE). These are the most commonly recyclable plastics. Check for clean, dry materials without food residue, labels, or tape.

2. Do NOT Place Them in Curbside Bins

Most municipal recycling programs don’t accept plastic bags and film in curbside bins because they can clog machinery at recycling plants. Even if marked recyclable, they require specialized handling.

3. Find a Local Drop-Off Location

Many grocery stores, retail chains, and recycling centers offer drop-off bins for plastic bags and film. Use online directories like PlasticFilmRecycling.org to locate the nearest drop-off location.

4. Prepare the Plastic for Recycling

Before dropping them off:

  • Remove receipts, labels, or food crumbs.
  • Ensure bags are dry to prevent mold.
  • Bundle bags together to prevent them from blowing away during transport.

5. Consider Reuse Before Recycling

Whenever possible, reuse plastic bags for:

  • Trash liners
  • Storage solutions
  • Packing materials

What Can Recycled Plastic Bags Become?

After collection, plastic bags and film are processed and transformed into:

  • Composite lumber for decks, benches, and playgrounds
  • New plastic bags and packaging materials
  • Durable products like pipes, containers, and outdoor furniture

What NOT to Recycle with Plastic Bags and Film

  • Avoid recycling these items with plastic film:
  • Crinkly plastic (like chip bags or candy wrappers)
  • Biodegradable or compostable bags
  • Frozen food bags (often have mixed materials)
  • Pre-stretched cling wrap (used in foodservice)

Recycling plastic bags and film may require an extra step, but it’s a simple way to make a big impact on the environment. By understanding what’s recyclable, finding local drop-off locations, and preparing your materials properly, you can help reduce plastic pollution and support a sustainable future.

FAQs About Plastic Bag and Film Recycling

Q: Can I recycle plastic bags in my curbside bin?

No, plastic bags and film should not go in curbside bins unless your local program specifically accepts them.

Q: Where can I recycle plastic bags near me?

Check local grocery stores or use PlasticFilmRecycling.org to find drop-off locations.

Q: Are all plastic films recyclable?

No, only clean, dry plastic films labeled #2 or #4 are commonly recyclable. Avoid mixing in crinkly or multi-layered plastics.

Previous
How 3D Printing Uses Recycled Plastic
Next
How to Recycle Automotive Parts

Related Articles

Machine to Recycle Aluminum Cans: What You Need to Know

How to Recycle Aluminum Cans for Cash: A Complete Guide

Recycling Tools for Scrap Metal: Essential Equipment for Efficient Metal Recovery

Essential Hardware Tools for Recycling: A Complete Guide

Recent Post

Machine to Recycle Aluminum Cans: What You Need to Know
How to Recycle Aluminum Cans for Cash: A Complete Guide
Recycling Tools for Scrap Metal: Essential Equipment for Efficient Metal Recovery
Essential Hardware Tools for Recycling: A Complete Guide
How Biodegradable Trash Bags Are Changing Eco-Friendly Living

Category

  • Home
  • Recycling
  • Waste Management
  • Recycling Technology
  • Resource Recovery
  • Products
  • News
  • Contact
© recyclingtoday.org 2025

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty.
Add note for seller
Estimate shipping rates
Add a discount code
Subtotal $0.00
View Cart