Omar Khalid
Plastic bags are a major contaminant at recycling facilities in Seattle. As of January 2020, plastic bags and wraps are no longer accepted in curbside recycling in Seattle and the rest of King County. This is because thin plastics like bags and wraps get tangled in recycling equipment, causing the facility to temporarily shut down to remove them. However, plastic bags can be recycled if they are returned to a specialized receptacle at a store.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags in recycling bins | Plastic bags and wraps should not be put in recycling bins, even if they are bundled. |
| Plastic bags in the garbage | Plastic bags should not be put in the garbage. |
| Plastic bag recycling | Plastic bags can be recycled if they are returned to a specialized receptacle at a store. |
| Plastic bag recycling drop-off locations | Shoreline and Bow Lake recycling and transfer stations. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags should not be put in recycling bins
Plastic bags should not be placed in recycling bins in Seattle. Since January 2020, plastic bags and plastic wrap have not been accepted in curbside recycling in Seattle and the rest of King County. This includes plastic bags, plastic wrap, and plastic mailers.
Plastic bags are a major contaminant at recycling facilities. They are thin and flimsy, and get tangled in the equipment, causing the facility to shut down temporarily so that they can be removed. This slows down the recycling process and drives up costs. It is also a potential safety risk for workers.
If you are unsure about whether an item is recyclable, it is best to throw it out. You can also check Seattle's 'Where Does It Go?' tool to see if an item is recyclable.
Instead of putting plastic bags in the recycling bin, you can take them to a store for recycling. Some stores in Seattle have specialized receptacles for plastic bag recycling. If you cannot find a store that accepts plastic bag recycling, it is recommended to reuse plastic bags or put them in the garbage.
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Plastic bags should be returned to stores for recycling
Plastic bags cannot be recycled at home in Seattle and should not be placed in curbside recycling bins. This is because they jam up recycling equipment, causing the facility to shut down temporarily so that the plastic can be removed.
However, plastic bags should also not be thrown away in the garbage. Instead, they should be returned to a store for recycling. Stores such as Walmart have plastic bag drop-off locations, and there are free recycling drop-offs for plastic bags at the Shoreline and Bow Lake recycling and transfer stations.
Seattle Public Utilities has stated that plastic bags can only be recycled if they are returned to a specialized receptacle at a store. A spokesperson for the utilities department has said that plastic bags should be "dropped off at participating stores or disposed of in the garbage."
It is important to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and switch to reusable tote bags instead. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated and need to be recycled.
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Plastic bags jam recycling equipment
In Seattle, plastic bags and plastic wraps are not accepted in recycling carts as of January 2020. They are known to cause issues by getting tangled in recycling equipment, which can cause the processing facility to shut down. If people are unsure about whether an item is recyclable, they can use the "Where Does it Go?" tool to check.
Despite this, many people continue to place plastic bags in their recycling bins, causing significant problems for recycling facilities. Plastic bags can wrap around equipment, requiring crews to cut them away using tools like hook knives and reciprocating saws. This issue is not unique to Seattle; it is a common problem faced by recyclers in other cities, such as Chicago.
In Chicago, Waste Management's recycling center on the far South Side is meant to sort cans, bottles, paper, and cardboard. However, plastic bags frequently end up in the mix, causing contamination and slowing down their systems. The area recycling director, Mike Tunney, described how "plastic film migrates to every orifice of the plant," getting wrapped around equipment and tangled in sorting screens.
To address this issue, residents of Seattle are advised to return their plastic bags to retailers like Walmart or Target, which offer bag-specific recycling. Additionally, charities like Harvest Hope also accept used plastic bags for recycling. By taking plastic bags to the right places and keeping them out of recycling bins, residents can help prevent equipment jams and support more efficient recycling processes.
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Plastic bags contaminate recycling loads
In Seattle, plastic bags are not accepted in curbside recycling bins. Plastic bags and plastic wrap should not be placed in the recycling cart, even if they are bundled. This is because plastic bags can contaminate other recyclable materials and lead to more potentially recyclable material ending up in landfills. They can also clog recycling machinery and disrupt the recycling process.
According to a Washington Department of Ecology survey, 20% of residents put their recyclables in plastic bags before placing them in a curbside recycling bin. The Recycle Right campaign aims to educate people about the challenges caused by bagging recyclables and improve their recycling behaviours. It is recommended to keep materials loose in the cart so that workers at the recycling facility can properly sort them.
Plastic bags that are stretchy, crinkly, or tear easily are made of different types of plastic that are less likely to be recyclable. These include pre-washed salad bags, chip bags, and cereal box liners. Plastic bags that are accepted for recycling should be clean and dry, with no food residue, stickers, labels, staples, or receipts.
In Seattle, some local grocery stores may accept plastic bags for recycling. However, it is important to check with local recycling guidelines as these may vary from town to town.
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Plastic bags should be reused or put in the garbage
Plastic bags should not be put in the recycling bin in Seattle. They are a major contaminant at recycling facilities as they get tangled in the machinery, causing the facility to temporarily shut down. This drives up costs and poses a potential safety risk to workers.
As of January 2020, plastic bags and plastic wrap are no longer accepted in curbside recycling in Seattle and the rest of King County. This includes plastic bags, plastic wrap, Ziploc bags, cling wrap, and dry cleaning bags.
So, what should you do with plastic bags? The best option is to reuse them. For example, you could use them as garbage bags or take them to a store that offers plastic bag recycling. Some stores in Seattle, such as Walmart and Lowe's, used to have plastic bag drop-off locations, but these may no longer be available. You can also check with your local grocery store or look up plastic film and bag recycling drop-off locations in Washington.
If you cannot reuse or recycle your plastic bags, the next best option is to put them in the garbage. While it may feel wrong to throw away plastic bags, it is better than contaminating an entire load of recycling. It is important to dispose of plastic bags properly to reduce their negative impact on the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic bags cannot be recycled at home in Seattle. They can only be recycled if they are returned to a specialized receptacle at a store.
Plastic bags are a major contaminant at recycling facilities. These thin plastics get tangled in equipment, causing the facility to temporarily shut down to remove them.
Plastic bags can be recycled at some stores in Seattle. Some locations include Shoreline and Bow Lake recycling and transfer stations.
