Omar Khalid
Plastic wrap is a type of film plastic that cannot be put in household recycling bins and should only be placed in film plastics recycling bins if the material is acceptable. In New York City, plastic wrap is not accepted for curbside recycling but can be returned to most major retail stores for recycling. To determine if a plastic wrap is recyclable, a rule of thumb is to try putting your thumb through the plastic, and if it stretches, it is likely the correct type of plastic film for recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic wrap accepted for curbside recycling? | No |
| Plastic wrap accepted at retail stores | Yes |
| Plastic wrap accepted at ecopark | Yes |
| Plastic wrap accepted at Store Drop-off locations | Yes |
| Plastic wrap accepted in household recycling bins | No |
| Plastic wrap accepted in film plastics recycling bins | Yes, if the material is acceptable |
| Plastic wrap accepted in clear plastic bags | Yes |
| Plastic wrap accepted in black bags | No |
| Plastic wrap accepted in clear bags on street corners | Yes |
| Plastic wrap accepted in bundles on street corners | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic wrap is not accepted for curbside recycling in NYC
Film plastics recycling bins are typically found at certain retail stores and most grocery stores in NYC. These stores are required to collect film plastics from customers for recycling and must make the film plastics recycling collection bins available in a visible, easily accessible location.
If you are unsure whether a particular plastic wrap is recyclable, you can use the "rule of thumb." If you can put your thumb through the plastic and stretch it, it is likely a type of plastic film that can be recycled (often marked #2 or #4). On the other hand, if the plastic wrap is shiny, crinkly, or tears like paper, it is likely not recyclable (marked with a #5 or #7).
It is important to ensure that any plastic wrap intended for recycling is clean and dry before placing it in the bin. This is because plastic wrap often comes into contact with food or other products that may leave behind residue.
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Plastic wrap can be recycled at specific retail stores
Retail stores, such as Walmart, Target, Wegmans, and Tops, often provide recycling bins for plastic bags and product wraps. These stores are required by law to collect film plastics, such as plastic wrap, from customers for recycling. The plastic wrap should be placed in a visible and easily accessible location in the store.
Additionally, some UPS locations in New York City, such as the one on W 8th and 5th Ave in Manhattan, accept plastic wrap and other packing materials for reuse. It is important to call ahead and check, as not all locations offer this service.
There are also online resources, such as how2recycle.info, that provide information on the nearest store drop-off locations for recycling flexible polyethylene plastics. These recycled plastics can be turned into synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or they can be directly recycled into new films, pouches, or bags.
It is important to note that plastic wrap should not be placed in household recycling bins or curbside recycling bins, as it can contaminate other recyclables. Instead, it should be taken to a designated film plastics recycling bin or a specific retail store for proper recycling.
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Plastic wrap must be clean and dry before recycling
Plastic wrap can be recycled in New York City, but it cannot be put in household recycling bins. Plastic wrap should be taken to a film plastics recycling bin, which can be found at certain retail stores and most grocery stores.
If the plastic wrap has been in contact with food or another product that may leave behind residue, it is important to ensure that it is clean and dry before dropping it in the bin. This is because dirty plastic wrap may be contaminated and no longer recyclable. After collection, the flexible plastic is baled and sold to independent companies to be recycled into tiny plastic pellets. These pellets can then be recycled into synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
To determine if plastic wrap is recyclable, a rule of thumb is to try putting your thumb through the plastic. If it stretches, it is likely the correct type of plastic film for recycling (polyethylene, often marked #2 or #4). If the plastic wrap is shiny, crinkly, or tears like paper, it is likely not the correct type of plastic film for recycling (any film marked with a #5 or #7 should be disposed of).
It is also important to note that compostable bags cannot be recycled in film plastics recycling bins or household recycling bins.
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Plastic wrap can be recycled into composite lumber for outdoor use
Plastic lumber is long-lasting, fire-resistant, and does not need to be sealed or stained. It is also maintenance-free and does not produce splinters, making it ideal for walkways and outdoor furniture such as benches. It is also water-resistant, which means it won't rot, even after years of exposure to rain and watering plants.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic wrap is recyclable. In New York City (NYC), for example, plastic wrap cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins as it can get tangled in the equipment used to recycle cans, bottles, cardboard, and paper, causing costly facility shutdowns and putting workers in danger. Instead, plastic wrap can be recycled locally at Store Drop-Off locations, but it must be clean and dry before disposal.
By recycling plastic wrap and other plastic films, individuals can help to prevent the waste of resources, reduce the amount of material sent to landfills, and contribute to the creation of new products such as composite lumber for outdoor use.
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Plastic wrap can be recycled into pellets to make new bags
Plastic wrap is not accepted in most curbside or drop-off recycling programs in the US. However, many of these packages are eligible for store drop-off recycling. In New York City, any loose plastics and films can be recycled locally at Store Drop Off locations.
Plastic bags and wraps are recycled differently than bottles and containers. They often get stuck in recycling equipment, causing costly facility shutdowns. Therefore, most recyclers prefer that you toss all recyclables into your curbside bin loose.
However, there are thousands of retail stores and drop-off centers across the US that accept plastic film packaging for recycling. Many retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul this plastic film to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products. After collection, the flexible plastic is baled and sold to independent companies. Then, the process of turning these PE films into tiny plastic pellets begins. These pellets can become synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or they might be recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
Therefore, plastic wrap can be recycled into pellets to make new bags.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wrap is not accepted for curbside recycling in NYC. However, it can be returned to most major retail stores, such as Walmart, Target, and Wegmans, for recycling. Many grocery stores in NYC are required to collect film plastics, including plastic wrap, from customers for recycling.
Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and candy and snack wrappers are all considered plastic wrap.
If you can put your thumb through the plastic and stretch it, it is likely recyclable. If it is shiny, crinkly, or tears like paper, it is likely not recyclable.
