Chloe Zhang
In San Diego, plastic bags, film, wrappers, and any soft plastic that can be bunched up in your hands are not accepted for curbside recycling. Plastic bags are the number one contaminant at material recovery facilities as they clog up the sorting machinery. However, plastic bottles and jars can be recycled, regardless of the recycling number on the bottom. In 2021, California passed a law banning the recycling symbol on plastic packaging unless it meets the requirements for statewide recyclability. According to a report by Greenpeace, only 13% of post-consumer plastic in the US is recycled, despite most of it going to recycling facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | LDPE/LLDPE |
| Common Items | Baskets, plastic film, bags |
| Recyclable | Yes, but only if larger than a credit card |
| Recycled Percentage | 4.2% |
| Other Banned Items | Plastic bags, film, wrappers, straws, utensils, stirrers, splash sticks, salsa cups, lids, and other foodware accessories |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags, wrappers, and soft plastics are not accepted for recycling
In San Diego, only plastic bottles and containers larger than a credit card should be placed in the recycling bin. This includes plastic bottles (empty, with lids), containers, cups, clamshells, tubs, buckets, and large foam blocks.
To help reduce plastic waste, the City of San Diego has implemented several plastic laws. These include a ban on single-use plastic bags, a partial beverage bottle ban, and a single-use plastics ban. Reusable plastic bags are also banned at checkout, and stores are required to sell recycled paper bags that contain a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled materials.
Despite these efforts, the recycling of plastic remains a challenge. A report by Greenpeace found that only 13% of post-consumer plastic in the US is actually recycled, even though most of it goes to recycling facilities. This is due in part to the fact that the cost of making new plastic is now cheaper than recycling old items. As a result, there is little economic incentive to recycle plastic.
To address this issue, Greenpeace is campaigning for tougher standards and putting pressure on companies to stop using plastic packaging. They are also advocating for a reduction in the use of single-use plastics and the production of throwaway plastic.
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Plastic bottles and jars can be recycled
Plastic bottles and jars are accepted for recycling in San Diego County, regardless of the recycling number on the bottom. However, only plastics larger than a credit card can be recycled, and they must be empty with the lids placed inside. This includes plastic bottles, containers, cups, tubs, buckets, and large foam blocks.
It is important to note that plastic bags, film, wrappers, and any soft plastics that can be scrunched up in your hands are not accepted for curbside recycling in San Diego County. These items can clog the machinery at Material Recovery Facilities and are a significant source of contamination.
Other recyclable materials in San Diego include batteries, aluminum foil, and aluminum trays, provided they are not contaminated by food. The City of San Diego also has a ban on single-use plastic water bottles at City facilities or sponsored events.
Despite the availability of recycling programs, a report by Greenpeace found that only 13% of post-consumer plastic in the US is actually recycled. This highlights the importance of focusing on reducing and reusing plastic products, in addition to recycling.
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Plastic bags are the number one contaminant at recovery facilities
The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that plastic bags are non-recyclable in San Diego. The San Diego County government website explicitly states that plastic bags should not be placed in the recycle bin. This rule applies to all types of plastic bags, including those used for bread and groceries, as well as plastic wrap and film.
The non-recyclability of plastic bags is a result of the complex and confusing nature of plastic recycling. In San Diego, only plastics that are larger than a credit card and are either bottles (water, soda, juice, etc.) or containers (buckets, tubs, etc.) can be recycled. This restriction is likely due to the specific capabilities of local recycling facilities, which vary by region.
The contamination caused by plastic bags at recovery facilities highlights the need for improved waste management practices and consumer habits. It is essential to reduce the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, and properly dispose of or recycle them whenever possible. By minimizing the use of plastic bags and ensuring they are kept out of recycling streams, we can help mitigate their contaminating effects at recovery facilities and reduce their overall environmental impact.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while plastic bags are a significant contaminant, they are not the only plastic waste contaminating recovery facilities. Other common types of plastic waste found in the environment include cigarette butts, food wrappers, bottles and bottle caps, straws, and stirrers. These single-use plastics contribute to the larger issue of plastic pollution and should also be reduced or properly disposed of to minimize their environmental impact.
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Plastic bags banned at checkout in San Diego County
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, San Diego County has implemented a ban on plastic bags at checkout in retail stores. This means that shoppers in San Diego will no longer be able to use single-use plastic carryout bags when purchasing items. The ban includes grocery, drug, and convenience stores, and is aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic pollution.
The new law, which came into effect in August 2016, prohibits stores from providing single-use plastic bags to customers. Instead, stores are encouraged to offer reusable or recycled paper bags. This change aligns with the statewide single-use plastic bag ban in California, also known as SB 270. The state law allows stores to sell reusable plastic bags made with recycled content or recycled paper bags until January 1, 2026. After that date, only recycled paper bags will be permitted.
The definition of a "reusable bag" under SB 270 specifically refers to reusable carryout bags provided at checkout. This definition has led to the proliferation of cheap, reusable plastic bags, which some consider the biggest failure of the California bag ban. The intent was to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags and reduce single-use plastic bag production and pollution. However, the result has been an increase in the purchase and use of thin, reusable plastic bags.
To address this issue, San Diego County has implemented additional regulations. Pre-checkout bags, such as produce and bulk bin bags, must be certified compostable, recyclable paper, or reusable. They must also meet specific criteria, such as containing a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled materials. This requirement will increase to 50% starting on January 1, 2028. Furthermore, stores in San Diego County are not allowed to require customers to purchase a bag, and there is a minimum charge of 10 cents per bag.
The plastic bag ban in San Diego County is part of a broader movement to reduce single-use plastic consumption and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. Similar bans have been implemented in other cities and counties across California, including San Francisco, Mountain View, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma County. These efforts have shown positive results, with significant reductions in plastic bag litter and overall plastic bag consumption.
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Plastic foodware must be compostable, reusable, or recyclable
Additionally, there is a Partial Beverage Bottle Ban, which means no single-use plastic water bottles are allowed at city facilities or sponsored events. The city has also banned the release of balloons, though helium balloon sales are still permitted. These measures are part of San Diego County's efforts to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives.
When it comes to recycling plastic, it's important to know the types of plastic that are accepted. In San Diego, you can recycle any plastic bottle or jar, regardless of the recycling number on the bottom. This includes items like water bottles, soda bottles, and plastic jugs, which are typically marked with #1 or #2 to indicate their recyclability. However, it's worth noting that not all plastics with a recycling symbol can be recycled locally.
To make recycling easier for residents, the City of San Diego has simplified the guidelines for curbside recycling. While plastic bags, film, wrappers, and soft plastics are not accepted for curbside recycling, residents can recycle plastic bottles (empty, with lids), containers, cups, tubs, buckets, and large foam blocks. It's important to ensure that recyclables are loose inside the recycling bin rather than bagged, as plastic bags can clog the sorting machinery at Material Recovery Facilities.
Despite these efforts, it's worth noting that the recycling landscape is challenging. A report by Greenpeace found that only 13% of post-consumer plastic in the US is actually recycled, even though most of it goes to recycling facilities. With China's decision to stop importing recyclable plastic from the US in 2018, the focus has shifted to reducing and reusing plastic products rather than solely relying on recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
People in San Diego can put #1 and #2 plastics in their recycling bin, as well as most other kinds of rigid plastic. This includes plastic bottles (water, soda, juice, etc.) and containers (buckets, yogurt tubs, etc.).
Plastic bags, film, wrappers, and any soft plastic that you can bunch up in your hands are not accepted for recycling in San Diego. This includes plastic bags, plastic wrap and film, bubble wrap, bread bags, and foam packing peanuts.
San Diego offers a range of recycling programs, including curbside pickup, drop-off centers, and specialized programs for items like e-waste and hazardous materials.
Make sure to remove any plastic wrapping or liners and flatten cardboard boxes before putting them in the recycling bin. Also, ensure that recyclables are loose and not bagged inside the curbside recycling bin.
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