Recycling Plastic Bags: Rumpke's Rules And Regulations

can you recycle plastic bags with rumpke

Rumpke is a recycling company that offers residential customers a convenient, comprehensive recycling program. They have recently expanded their list of acceptable items for recycling and partnered with the Hefty ReNew program to collect additional items that they were previously unable to accept, such as plastic bags, plastic wraps, Styrofoam, plastic utensils, and certain plastic containers. However, it is important to note that these plastic bags cannot be placed loosely in the bin but must be separated into special orange Hefty ReNew bags for recycling. This is because plastic bags can damage sorting equipment and interrupt the recycling process.

Characteristics Values
Plastic bags accepted No, plastic bags are not accepted by Rumpke for recycling as they can disrupt the recycling process and tangle in the machinery.
Plastic bags recycling method Plastic bags can be recycled by taking them back to many local grocery and retail stores. Rumpke has also partnered with the Hefty ReNew program to collect plastic bags.
Plastic bags collection method Plastic bags need to be separated into special orange Hefty ReNew bags for recycling.
Other accepted plastics Bottles, jugs, tubs, certain types of drink cups, plastic wraps, Styrofoam, plastic utensils, plastic containers, clamshells
Clamshell recycling availability Customers within Greater Columbus and Central Ohio, Greater Cleveland, Northern Ohio, Southeast Ohio, and West Virginia

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Plastic bags are not accepted in Rumpke's recycling program

However, Rumpke has recently expanded its recycling program and partnered with the Hefty ReNew program. This means that some plastic bags, such as those used for frozen vegetables, can now be recycled through Rumpke. These bags need to be separated into special orange Hefty ReNew bags for recycling.

It is important to note that this expanded recycling program is not yet available everywhere. Currently, it is offered to customers within Greater Columbus and Central Ohio, Greater Cleveland, Northern Ohio, Southeast Ohio, and West Virginia.

If you are unsure about whether a plastic bag can be recycled, it is recommended to check Rumpke's list of acceptable items for your specific location.

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Plastic bags can be recycled at local grocery and retail stores

Plastic bags cannot be placed in Rumpke recycling bins as they can damage sorting equipment and disrupt the recycling process. However, plastic bags can be recycled at local grocery and retail stores.

Rumpke has recently expanded its recycling program and partnered with the Hefty ReNew program. This expansion includes the acceptance of plastic wraps and bags, such as those used for frozen vegetables. To recycle these plastic bags and wraps, customers are required to separate them into a special orange Hefty ReNew bag, which can then be placed in the curbside recycling bin. The Hefty bags themselves are also recyclable and will be pulled off the recycling line at the facility for further processing.

In certain areas, residents can participate in the Hefty ReNew program, allowing them to recycle additional plastics, including plastic bags and Styrofoam.

It is important to note that plastic bags should be empty and clean before recycling. Contaminants on recyclables can disrupt the recycling process.

By taking plastic bags to local grocery and retail stores for recycling, individuals can play a crucial role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.

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Plastic grocery bags are thin and can tangle in machinery

Plastic grocery bags are typically thin and flexible, which makes them prone to tangling in recycling machinery. This can cause significant issues during the recycling process, leading to machine malfunctions and production delays. The bags can wrap around moving parts, get stuck in gears or conveyor belts, and even jam entire systems. This is especially true for the thinner plastic bags, which are more delicate and prone to tearing, increasing the risk of tangling.

The issues caused by plastic bag tangling can result in costly repairs and maintenance for recycling facilities. It also poses a safety hazard for workers who must then untangle the bags from the machinery, a time-consuming and potentially dangerous task. This process can disrupt the entire recycling operation, impacting the efficiency and productivity of the facility.

To avoid these issues, it is important to properly dispose of plastic grocery bags. Many recycling programs do not accept thin plastic bags due to the challenges they pose. Instead, it is recommended to return these bags to dedicated drop-off locations, often found at grocery stores or recycling centers. These drop-off locations ensure that the bags are properly consolidated and do not interfere with other recycling processes.

Some communities have implemented specific programs to manage plastic bag waste, recognizing the challenges posed by their thin and flexible nature. These programs may include specialized collection bins or dedicated pick-up services for plastic bags, ensuring they are kept separate from other recyclables. Through these initiatives, communities aim to reduce the negative impact of plastic bags on recycling machinery while promoting the responsible disposal and recycling of this material.

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Rumpke's partnership with Hefty ReNew allows recycling of additional plastics

Rumpke, a waste management company, has implemented the Hefty ReNew program in select areas to allow its customers to recycle additional plastics. This program is a part of Rumpke's commitment to ensuring its customers can recycle as much material as possible.

The Hefty ReNew program is a hard-to-recycle plastics recovery program that offers residents and businesses served by Rumpke Recycling a convenient way to divert more waste from landfills. People who choose to participate in this program can purchase Hefty ReNew orange bags at their local Kroger store or online at Kroger.com. Each bag features a list of hard-to-recycle items that can be collected in the bag for recycling, including plastic bags, chip bags, granola bar wrappers, plastic film, plastic cutlery, and Styrofoam. Once the bag is full, it can be tied up and placed in a Rumpke Recycling bin for collection.

The Hefty ReNew program is intended to complement, but not replace, current recycling routines. Rumpke Recycling customers are advised to continue putting paper, cardboard, cartons, glass, and certain plastics such as bottles, tubs, cups, and cans in their Rumpke bins loose and unbagged. This is because plastic bags can cause damage to Rumpke's sorting equipment and interrupt the recycling process.

Rumpke collects the recycling bins, sorts each material by commodity type, and pulls out the Hefty ReNew orange bags. These bags are then sent to specialized recyclers that use the materials to create new products, including plastic lumber and irrigation blocks. By partnering with Hefty ReNew, Rumpke is able to offer its customers an expanded list of acceptable items for recycling, contributing to a more sustainable future.

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Plastic bags must be separated into special orange Hefty ReNew bags for recycling

Rumpke has long been dedicated to keeping neighbourhoods beautiful through its reliable curbside pickup services for homeowners. However, the company has traditionally been unable to accept plastic bags for recycling due to the risk of disruption to the recycling process and tangling in machinery.

In October 2023, Rumpke expanded its recycling program and partnered with the Hefty ReNew program. This collaboration means that Rumpke now accepts plastic wraps and bags, such as those used for frozen vegetables.

To recycle plastic bags with Rumpke, customers are required to separate them into special orange Hefty ReNew bags. These bags can then be placed in the curbside recycling bin. The Hefty bags themselves are also recyclable and will be removed from the recycling line at the facility for further processing.

Rumpke's partnership with Hefty ReNew allows the company to collect and recycle additional plastics, including plastic wraps, Styrofoam, plastic utensils, and plastic containers. This expansion of accepted materials helps to improve accessibility and convenience for homeowners and businesses.

Frequently asked questions

No, plastic bags are not accepted by Rumpke for recycling. This is because thin plastic bags can disrupt the recycling process and tangle in the machinery.

Rumpke has partnered with the Hefty ReNew program to collect plastic bags. Plastic bags need to be separated into special orange Hefty ReNew bags for recycling.

Hefty ReNew bags can be purchased from the Hefty website, which also provides a list of acceptable items that can be recycled using the bags.

In addition to plastic bags, the Hefty ReNew program allows for the recycling of plastic wraps, Styrofoam, plastic utensils, and plastic containers.

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