Recycling Plastic Wrap: No Numbers, No Problem

Plastic wrap is one of the most commonly used plastics, and while it is technically recyclable, it is not always accepted by regular kerbside recycling programmes. This is because plastic wrap gums up the works at recycling facilities, and workers have to shut down the machinery to remove it. However, there are still ways to recycle plastic wrap responsibly.

Plastic wrap and plastic film are generally made using #2 and #4 plastic resins

Plastic wrap and plastic film are often used for packaging and products like dry cleaning bags, bread bags, plastic overwrap from toilet paper and paper towels, produce bags, Ziploc bags, and bubble wrap. To recycle these materials, they must be clean and dry, as wet or food-soiled plastic can cause contamination during the recycling process.

You can find a recycling location near you by using a recycling search tool, such as the Earth911 Recycling Locator or the Recycle Now Recycling Locator, which allow you to search by ZIP code or postcode, respectively. Many larger supermarket branches now have collection points for plastic bags and wrapping recycling, so you can also check with your local supermarket.

It is important to note that plastic wrap and plastic film are not always easily recyclable. Some sources suggest that even if stores say they accept these materials for recycling, it is not always clear what happens to them after they are collected. Additionally, some types of plastic wrap, such as Saran Wrap and Glad Wrap, are not accepted by all recycling programs due to their unique chemical compositions.

Clean and dry plastic wrap can be recycled

Firstly, identify the type of plastic wrap you have. Plastic wrap and film packaging are often made using #2 and #4 plastic resins (high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene, respectively), which are recyclable. These resins are typically found in flexible polyethylene-based plastics. However, some clear plastic-like materials are made of cellophane, which requires different recycling steps.

To recycle plastic wrap, it is crucial to ensure it is clean and dry. Any food residue, sauces, juices, or other substances should be rinsed off. Wet or food-soiled plastic wrap can cause contamination during the recycling process, which can be costly. Therefore, it is essential to let the plastic wrap air dry completely before recycling.

Once your plastic wrap is clean and dry, you can locate a recycling location near you. Plastic wrap is generally not accepted in curbside recycling programs, so you will need to find a drop-off location. Many larger supermarket branches have collection points for plastic bags and wrapping recycling, usually located near the front of the store. You can also use online recycling locators, such as the Earth911 Recycling Locator, by entering your ZIP code or postcode to find a plastic film recycling location near you.

Remember, when in doubt, it is better to leave the plastic wrap out of the recycling bin. Always check with your local recycling guidelines to ensure you are recycling correctly, as incorrect recycling can lead to contamination and additional waste.

Plastic wrap and film cannot be recycled with your regular kerbside recycling

Before dropping off your plastic wrap and film for recycling, it is important to make sure that they are clean and dry. Wet or food-soiled plastic wrap and film can cause contamination during the recycling process. You should also remove any sticky labels or strips of tape and put them in your normal rubbish bin.

You can find your nearest drop-off location by searching for a plastic film recycling location near you. Many large retailers and grocers, such as Target and Walmart, now accept plastic bags, wrap, and film for recycling and usually have a bin near the front of the store. You can also use the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find a drop-off location by entering your ZIP code.

It is worth noting that some plastic wraps, such as cling wrap, cannot be recycled with other plastic films due to the complex chemicals used in their production. However, most plastic wrap and film packaging is made using #2 and #4 plastic resins, both of which are recyclable. These resins are often downcycled to make composite lumber, which can be used for a wide variety of products, such as decking or park benches.

Plastic wrap and film can be recycled at retail stores and drop-off centres

Before dropping off your plastic wrap and film for recycling, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that the plastic is clean and dry. Wet or food-soiled plastic can cause contamination during the recycling process and should be avoided. Secondly, check the type of plastic you are recycling. Plastic materials are usually marked with a number that indicates the type of plastic. This number can help you determine if the plastic can be recycled in your area.

Some plastic wrap and film may be made from polyethylene plastic, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or #4 plastic). These types of plastic are often accepted for store drop-off recycling. However, it is important to check with your local recycling guidelines to confirm.

Additionally, some clear plastic-like materials may be made from cellophane, which requires different recycling steps depending on whether it is coated. Again, it is important to refer to your local guidelines or use a recycling locator to determine the best way to recycle these materials.

Plastic wrap and film can be recycled into composite lumber, or new films, pouches or bags

Plastic wrap and film are generally made using #2 and #4 plastic resins, which are both recyclable. However, most curbside recycling programs do not accept these materials, so they must be taken to a drop-off location. Many large retailers, such as Target and Walmart, now accept plastic bags, wraps, and films for recycling, although there is some controversy over whether these are actually recycled. To ensure your plastic wrap and film are recycled properly, you can use a recycling locator to find a drop-off location near you. Remember to clean and dry the plastic before dropping it off, as wet or food-soiled plastic can cause contamination during the recycling process.

Once collected, plastic wrap and film are downcycled to make composite lumber, which is often used for decking, fences, and other outdoor uses. This composite lumber is durable and long-lasting. The recycled plastic can also be turned into tiny plastic pellets, which can be used to create synthetic lumber for park benches or decking. These pellets can also be recycled directly into new films, pouches, or bags.

The process of recycling plastic wrap and film into new films, pouches, or bags is made possible by breaking down the plastic into its building blocks. This allows the plastic to be reused as brand-new material, greatly expanding the ways it can be recycled and reused. This process is known as advanced recycling technology, and it holds promise for the future of plastic film packaging recycling.

While it is important to recycle plastic wrap and film, it is even better to reduce the amount of plastic we use in the first place. Initiatives like the UK Plastics Pact are working to eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging, and many supermarkets are removing plastic wrapping from fresh, uncut fruit and vegetables. Reusing bags is also a great way to reduce plastic waste, so consider keeping a few reusable bags in your car or bike basket for spontaneous shopping trips.

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