Maya Ellison
Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, chip packets, and biscuit wrappers, are a common type of plastic that can be recycled. However, they cannot be recycled using household recycling bins as they tend to get stuck in recycling equipment. Instead, they can be taken to participating retail stores or specialist recycling services, which collect and recycle them into new products. It is important to ensure that any soft plastics for recycling are clean and dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soft plastics | Biscuit wrappers, plastic bags, garbage bags, chip packets, salad mix packets, air packs, produce bags, plastic wrap around paper towel rolls, polystyrene |
| How to recycle soft plastics | Retail stores and drop-off centers accept soft plastics for recycling. Retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul it to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products. |
| How not to recycle soft plastics | Soft plastics should not be put in household recycling bins or most curbside recycling bins as they can contaminate other recyclables and get stuck in recycling equipment. |
| How to prepare soft plastics for recycling | Clean and dry the plastic film packaging before dropping it into the store recycling bin. |
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What You'll Learn
- Soft plastic recycling is considered specialist recycling
- Plastic bags and wraps are recycled differently than bottles and containers
- Plastic bags and product wraps can be returned to many grocery stores for recycling
- Soft plastic packaging can be made from a single type of plastic or layered with different kinds
- Reduce soft plastic use by using reusable bags and wax wraps, and choosing unwrapped produce
Soft plastic recycling is considered specialist recycling
Soft plastics include biscuit wrappers, plastic bags, garbage bags, chip packets, and salad mix packets. They are commonly made from polystyrene and can also be layered with other materials like aluminium or cardboard, as seen in Pringles tubes. These complex, layered materials are excellent for preserving food and protecting against light and moisture but are difficult to recycle.
To recycle soft plastics, it is recommended to separate them from other recyclables and take them to a specialist recycling service. Many grocery stores and major retailers accept clean, soft plastics for recycling, and some even provide recycling bins for this purpose. However, it is important to check with your local municipality or state guidelines, as these may vary.
Some ways to reduce the use of soft plastics include using reusable bags, choosing unwrapped produce, and using reusable wax wraps or silicone covers instead of cling wrap.
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Plastic bags and wraps are recycled differently than bottles and containers
Plastic bags and wraps should not be placed in most curbside recycling bins. They can, however, be recycled at participating retail store recycling bins, such as Walmart, Target, and other big-box stores. These stores collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul it to multiple businesses for recycling into new products. It is important to check with local stores and recycling entities, as guidelines may vary from location to location.
To recycle plastic bags and wraps properly, it is essential to ensure they are clean and dry. Dirty or wet plastic bags and wraps, as well as those labelled as compostable or biodegradable, can disrupt the recycling process and contaminate other recyclables. Instead of placing them in recycling bins, it is recommended to reuse plastic bags and wraps whenever possible. For example, they can be repurposed as trash liners or used for multiple shopping trips.
While plastic bags and wraps may not be accepted for curbside recycling in most locations, some communities have implemented programs to collect plastic film packaging at the curb. For instance, residents in a Chicago suburb can recycle plastic film packaging curbside through a program launched by Dow and Waste Management. Additionally, individuals, schools, non-profits, workplaces, and communities can promote local recycling programs or collect plastic bags and wraps for recycling.
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Plastic bags and product wraps can be returned to many grocery stores for recycling
Grocery stores and major retailers will often have recycling bins on their premises that accept clean, soft plastic. Examples of soft plastics include biscuit wrappers, plastic bags, garbage bags, chip packets, and salad mix packets. Essentially, anything that acts as a bag around food is soft plastic.
Plastic bags and product wraps are not accepted for curbside recycling because they clog the recycling machinery. However, many grocery stores and major retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Wegmans accept them for recycling. These stores collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul it to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
Before dropping off your plastic bags and product wraps at a store's recycling bin, be sure to clean and dry them to ensure they can be properly recycled.
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Soft plastic packaging can be made from a single type of plastic or layered with different kinds
Soft plastic packaging is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of plastics with different properties and applications. These plastics can be made from a single type of plastic polymer or multiple layers of different polymers, each serving a specific function.
One of the most common types of plastic used in packaging is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is widely used for food and beverage packaging due to its ability to prevent oxygen from penetrating and spoiling the contents. It is also recyclable through most curbside recycling programs and has a positive track record in this regard. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another commonly used plastic, is known for its strength and resistance to impact. It is used in grocery bags, milk jugs, recycling bins, agricultural pipes, and even playground equipment.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another significant plastic in the packaging industry. It is the world's third-most-produced synthetic plastic polymer and comes in rigid and flexible forms. Rigid PVC is used in the construction industry for pipes, doors, and windows, while flexible PVC is used in plumbing, wiring, and flooring. Despite its versatility, PVC is challenging to recycle and should be avoided when possible.
Other types of plastics used in packaging include polypropylene (PP), which is known for its hardness and ability to withstand high temperatures, and polystyrene (PS), which is solid or foamed and widely used in disposable cups, packing materials, and disposable dinnerware due to its low cost and ease of production. Natural poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a unique plastic made from corn starch or sugarcane and is biodegradable. However, it requires specific conditions to decompose properly.
When it comes to recycling soft plastic packaging, it's important to note that not all plastics are equal. Some types of soft plastics, like grocery bags, produce bags, and plastic wraps, can be recycled at participating retail stores and drop-off centres. However, they are not accepted in most residential curbside recycling bins as they can clog and gum up the recycling machinery. Therefore, it is essential to separate soft plastics from other recyclables and properly dispose of them at designated locations.
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Reduce soft plastic use by using reusable bags and wax wraps, and choosing unwrapped produce
Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, chip packets, biscuit wrappers, and garbage bags, are not accepted in most residential curbside recycling bins as they can clog the machines and cause costly facility shutdowns. However, many grocery stores and major retailers like Walmart and Target have on-premise recycling bins that accept clean, soft plastic for recycling.
To reduce your consumption of soft plastics, you can adopt several simple habits in your daily life. Firstly, instead of using single-use plastic bags, opt for reusable bags when shopping. Many grocery stores offer durable, washable bags at affordable prices. These bags can be used multiple times, reducing the need for new plastic bags. Additionally, you can use environmentally friendly cotton mesh bags for picking fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. These bags allow for air circulation, keeping your produce cool and fresh while reducing plastic waste.
Another way to cut down on soft plastic use is to choose unwrapped produce. Whenever possible, avoid products with plastic wraps or packaging. For example, instead of buying pre-washed salad mix in a plastic bag, opt for loose salad items or choose fruits and vegetables that do not require plastic wrapping. By being mindful of the packaging, you can significantly reduce the amount of soft plastic you consume and need to recycle.
Lastly, when it comes to food storage, consider using wax wraps or reusable containers instead of plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic bags and boxes for storing meals, leftovers, and sandwiches. They are safe to put in the freezer and can be home composted when they lose their pliability, making them a zero-waste option. Silicone bowl covers are another option for covering food in the fridge, although they are not as environmentally friendly due to the chemicals and energy required for their production.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastics include biscuit wrappers, plastic bags, garbage bags, chip packets, and salad mix packets. Essentially, anything that acts as a bag around your food is soft plastic. The best way to figure out if something is soft plastic is to do the scrunch test. If you can scrunch the item into a ball, it can be recycled with soft plastics.
Soft plastics can be recycled at specialist recycling services, primarily available through supermarkets or other facilities. They should never be placed in curbside recycling bins as they can contaminate the rest of the recyclables and get caught in the mechanical equipment at recycling plants. Many grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Wegmans accept soft plastics for recycling.
Some alternatives to soft plastics include using reusable bags, buying unwrapped produce, using your own produce bags, and using reusable wax wraps or silicone covers to protect food.
Soft plastics should be clean and dry before being placed in the store recycling bin. It is also recommended to tear off any sticky labels. Compostable and biodegradable bags should not be recycled and should be placed in a home composting bin instead.
Soft plastics are collected by retailers and back-hauled to multiple businesses that recycle them into new products.
