Ethan Clarke
Washington, D.C. has set a goal of 80% waste diversion by 2032. The Zero Waste Plastic Products Recycling Amendment Act of 2022 requires retail establishments to provide consumers with a receptacle to collect disposable plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic shipping products for recycling. While D.C.'s residential recycling program does not accept plastic bags, wraps, and films, these items can be recycled at local retailers and through store drop-off at grocery stores participating in a plastic film recycling program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags accepted by residential recycling program | No |
| Plastic bags accepted at local retailers | Yes |
| Plastic bags accepted at commercial properties | Yes |
| Plastic bags accepted at curbside recycling | No |
| Plastic bags accepted at special waste drop-off | Yes |
| Plastic bags accepted at transfer stations | Yes |
| Number of locations throughout the District accepting plastic bags | More than 25 |
| Additional options for plastic bag recycling | Maryland and Virginia |
| Website to find nearest plastic bag recycling location | www.plasticfilmrecycling.org |
| Washington, D.C. goal for waste diversion by 2032 | 80 percent |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Plastic bags are not accepted by DC's residential recycling program
- Recycle plastic bags at local retailers and grocery stores
- Plastic bags are recycled into new bags, containers, and pipes
- Plastic liners are accepted for collecting recyclables in commercial receptacles
- DC's goal is 80% waste diversion by 2032
Plastic bags are not accepted by DC's residential recycling program
While Washington, DC has set a goal of 80% waste diversion by 2032, plastic bags are not accepted by the city's residential recycling program. This is because plastic bags can clog up recycling machinery. However, plastic bags can be recycled at local retailers. There are more than 25 locations throughout the District, along with additional options in Maryland and Virginia. You can enter your zip code to find your nearest recycling location by going to the Plastic Film Recycling Directory at www.plasticfilmrecycling.org.
The Zero Waste Plastic Products Recycling Amendment Act of 2022 requires covered retail establishments to make available to consumers a receptacle to collect disposable plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic shipping products for recycling. This includes grocery stores and other retailers with a primary business of selling grocery products. These receptacles must be located within the covered retail establishment or within 100 feet of the covered retail establishment's main entrance, in a location that is easily accessible and clearly visible to consumers.
On or before January 1, 2023, the Department of Public Works was required to publish on its website information on where and how retail establishments may send disposable plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic shipping products to be recycled.
It is important to note that recycling facilities may reject recyclables if they are contained in a plastic garbage bag or include wraps and film of any kind. Recyclable materials (e.g. bottles, cans, paper) should be placed loosely into your curbside recycling bin. Although the District’s curbside recycling collection program works best when materials are not bagged at all, some residents may prefer to collect recyclables in an open paper bag which may be dropped into their collection cart and will be recycled along with the materials collected.
Fusing Plastic Bags: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Recycle plastic bags at local retailers and grocery stores
Plastic bags cannot be recycled as part of DC's residential recycling program. However, you can recycle plastic bags at local retailers and grocery stores that are voluntarily participating in a plastic film recycling program.
The Zero Waste Plastic Products Recycling Amendment Act of 2022 requires covered retail establishments to make available to consumers a receptacle to collect disposable plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic shipping products for recycling. These receptacles must be located within the covered retail establishment or within 100 feet of the covered retail establishment's main entrance, in a location that is easily accessible and clearly visible to consumers.
There are more than 25 locations throughout the District along with additional options in Maryland and Virginia. You can find your nearest recycling location by entering your zip code into the Plastic Film Recycling Directory.
All recyclable items must be clean and empty.
Storing Coins: Plastic Bags – Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![PAMI Recycling Tall 13-Gallon Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags- Extra-Strong Plastic Garbage Bags [Clear 60 Pack]- Thick Trash Can Liners For Kitchen & Outdoor Bins- 2ft x2ft Unscented Trash Bags](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71iX08vGEIL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Plastic bags are recycled into new bags, containers, and pipes
Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, especially in waterways and oceans, where they can be mistaken for food by marine life. While they do not biodegrade, they can be recycled into new products, including new bags, containers, and pipes.
In Washington, D.C., plastic bags cannot be recycled through the city's curbside collection program. However, there are other ways to recycle plastic bags in the city. Many retail stores, including large national chains like Kroger, Safeway, Target, and Walmart, have plastic bag recycling bins, usually located near the front entrance. These stores collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul packaging to multiple businesses for recycling.
Before recycling plastic bags, it is important to remove anything inside the bags, such as receipts, stickers, crumbs, or other contaminants. It is also recommended to check with local recycling entities, as some communities may have specific requirements for plastic bag recycling. For example, some locations require residents to put all plastic bags into one bag and tie it at the top for easy removal before it goes into the sorting machine.
Plastic bag recycling involves chipping the bags into pellets, which can then be reprocessed into new products. Companies like Trex use recycled plastic to create plastic lumber for decking and other products. Advanced recycling technologies are also being developed to break down plastic into its building blocks for reuse as brand-new plastic, expanding the ways to reuse plastic film packaging.
Plastic Bags: Environmental Impact and Sustainable Alternatives
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic liners are accepted for collecting recyclables in commercial receptacles
In Washington, DC, plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted by the residential recycling program. However, commercial properties, including multifamily dwellings with four or more units and non-residential commercial entities, can use clear plastic liners to collect recyclables in receptacles.
Although plastic liners are accepted for collecting recyclables in commercial receptacles, they are not recyclable themselves. Recycling haulers may choose not to accept them, and DPW-collected curbside residential recyclables should not include any bags or liners.
The District's curbside recycling collection program works best when materials are not bagged. Recyclable materials such as bottles, cans, and paper should be placed loosely into the curbside recycling bin. However, residents may prefer to collect recyclables in an open paper bag, which can be placed in the collection cart and will be recycled along with the materials.
To recycle plastic bags, residents can drop them off at grocery stores and retailers that voluntarily participate in a plastic film recycling program. There are over 25 locations throughout the District, and additional options in Maryland and Virginia. Residents can also use the Plastic Film Recycling Directory to find their nearest recycling location by entering their zip code.
The Zero Waste Plastic Products Recycling Amendment Act of 2022 requires covered retail establishments to provide consumers with a receptacle to collect disposable plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic shipping products for recycling. These receptacles should be easily accessible and clearly visible, with signage indicating their purpose.
Plastic Bag Medication Rules: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
DC's goal is 80% waste diversion by 2032
The District of Columbia (DC) aims to divert 80% of its waste from landfills and incinerators by 2032. This goal, established in the 2013 Sustainable DC Plan, has been challenging to achieve, and the target date has been pushed back to 2040. To accomplish this goal, DC has implemented various initiatives and strategies, including:
- Reducing overall waste generation by 15% from 2012 levels: This involves encouraging residents to reduce consumption and recycle more effectively.
- Reusing 20% of all waste produced in the District: Initiatives like the Share-A-Bag program and encouraging the use of reusable bags aim to reduce plastic bag waste.
- Lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 1.38 million metric tons annually: Curbside composting and recycling programs for organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, help reduce landfill waste.
- Improving waste sorting and compliance: DC provides guidance on recycling, such as the Mayor's List of Recyclables and Compostables, to ensure proper waste sorting and compliance with sustainability goals.
- Increasing recycling and composting participation and accessibility: DC has expanded access to recycling and composting services, such as curbside pickup and drop-off locations for plastic bags and films.
- Banning certain items from disposal: The plan includes banning the disposal of recyclable and compostable materials by 2032.
While DC has made progress, it is unlikely to meet the original 2032 deadline. However, the updated strategies and initiatives demonstrate a commitment to achieving zero-waste goals and improving the city's waste management practices.
Plastic Bag Consumption: Deadly or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastic bags are not accepted by DC's residential recycling program.
You can recycle plastic bags at local retailers that are part of a plastic film recycling program.
You can find your nearest plastic bag recycling location by visiting the Plastic Film Recycling Directory and entering your zip code.
When recycled, plastic bags can be turned into new bags, composite lumber, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes.
This Act requires covered retail establishments to make available to consumers a receptacle to collect disposable plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic shipping products for recycling. It also authorizes the Mayor to administer virtual compost training.
