Chloe Zhang
Safeway has implemented several initiatives to reduce its global impact, including plastic waste reduction. The company provides recycling collection bins at its stores, encouraging customers to recycle plastic bags and product packaging. These recycled plastics are then upcycled by Trex, a company that manufactures composite decking and railing. However, it is important to note that not all plastic bags are recyclable, and black plastic bags, in particular, pose greater challenges due to the dyed plastic they are made from. This article will explore the types of plastic that Safeway recycles and provide insights into their environmental initiatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags accepted for recycling | Yes |
| Plastic film accepted for recycling | Yes |
| Plastic wrap accepted for recycling | Yes |
| Plastic pallet wrap accepted for recycling | Yes |
| Plastic product packaging accepted for recycling | Yes |
| Plastic bags with the #2 or #4 symbol accepted for recycling | Yes |
| Dyed black plastic bags accepted for recycling | No |
| Location of recycling bins | Near store entrances |
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What You'll Learn
Safeway's plastic bag recycling bins are placed near store entrances
Safeway has made significant strides in its commitment to reducing plastic waste. The company provides plastic bag recycling depots, or bins, at the entrances of its stores. These depots are placed in highly visible locations to encourage customers to recycle their plastic bags conveniently. This initiative is part of Safeway's broader sustainability efforts, which include reducing plastic bag use, composting, and implementing waste control initiatives.
The placement of these recycling bins near store entrances serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a readily accessible location for customers to dispose of their plastic bags responsibly. By locating the bins at the entrance, customers can easily drop off their recyclable plastic bags when arriving or leaving the store, without having to go out of their way. This accessibility encourages a higher rate of recycling participation.
Additionally, the prominent placement of the bins serves as a visual reminder to customers about the importance of recycling and Safeway's commitment to environmental sustainability. It reinforces the message that Safeway is a responsible retailer that prioritizes reducing its environmental impact. This initiative aligns with Safeway's short-term goal of diverting an average of 70% of material from landfills, with an ultimate goal of up to 90% waste diversion.
The plastic bags collected through these depots are sent to Trex Company, the world's largest manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking and railing. Trex gives new, longer-term use to the recycled plastic bags by transforming them into decking, fencing, railing, and furniture. This process keeps plastic bags out of landfills and gives them a new life as durable, sustainable products.
It is important to note that not all plastic bags are created equal when it comes to recyclability. Most plastic bags are made from high-density polyethylene (#2 plastic), while thinner bags, like produce bags, are made from low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic). When recycling plastic bags, it is essential to ensure they are clean, dry, and free of any contaminants such as receipts, stickers, or crumbs. By following these guidelines, customers can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Safeway recycles plastic bags and wrap packaging
Safeway has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the recycling of plastic bags and wrap packaging. The company provides recycling bins at the entrances of its stores, encouraging customers to dispose of unwanted plastic bags and packaging. This initiative is part of Safeway's commitment to reducing plastic waste and diverting material from landfills.
The plastic bags and wrap packaging collected by Safeway are combined with the plastic pallet wrap used in store operations. This material is then sent to Trex, a company that specializes in creating wood-alternative composite decking and railing. Trex uses the recycled plastic to produce long-lasting composite decking, made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials. This process gives plastic bags and packaging a new, longer-term use, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Customers are advised to remove any contents from the plastic bags, such as receipts, stickers, or crumbs, before placing them in the recycling bins. It is important to note that black plastic bags are harder to recycle and may be omitted from store collection bins due to the dyed plastic producing dark pellets that limit reprocessing options. Additionally, not all plastic bags are recyclable, and it is essential to look for the #2 or #4 plastic symbol to ensure the bags can be properly recycled.
Safeway's plastic bag recycling program is part of a broader effort to reduce plastic bag use. The company has set a goal to lower plastic bag consumption by 50% over a five-year period and has implemented various recycling, composting, and waste control initiatives. These initiatives include improving the diversion of corrugated cardboard and paper, plastic, and rendering programs, as well as establishing composting programs in over 75% of its stores.
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Safeway recycled 25 million pounds of plastic bags in 2021
Safeway has been committed to reducing its plastic waste and encouraging its customers to recycle plastic bags. The company has plastic bag recycling depots located at the entrance of all its stores, where customers can dispose of their unwanted plastic bags. In 2021, Albertsons Cos., which includes Safeway, recycled more than 25 million pounds of plastic bags and film from distribution centers and banner stores. This was achieved through the company's recycling collection bins, available at all Safeway and Albertsons stores across Oregon. The plastic bags collected at the stores are combined with plastic pallet wrap used in the store’s operations and sent to Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking and railing.
Trex then upcycles the plastic into long-lasting composite decking, fencing, railing, and furniture, sustainably made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials. This initiative is part of Safeway's broader sustainability and environmental goals, which include reducing plastic bag use by 50% over five years and diverting an average of 70% of material from landfills, with an ultimate goal of up to 90% waste diversion.
The company also focuses on improving its corrugated cardboard and paper, plastic, and rendering diversion programs, as well as establishing composting programs at more than 75% of its stores. Additionally, Safeway conducts waste audits, minimizes food waste through daily ordering and clearance pricing, and donates products to local food banks. These initiatives demonstrate Safeway's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and encouraging customers to recycle plastic bags and other materials.
Through these efforts, Safeway is working towards a more sustainable future and providing convenient options for its customers to recycle everyday household plastics, ensuring that they don't end up in landfills and contribute to environmental pollution. The company's recycling efforts extend beyond plastic bags, as they also dispose of needles, syringes, and other medical waste on behalf of customers, turning them into materials that benefit communities.
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$16.89
Plastic bags are among the most common sources of marine debris
Safeway has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including reducing plastic bag use and encouraging customers to recycle plastic bags and packaging through recycling collection bins at its stores. The company aims to divert an average of 70% of material from landfills, with an ultimate goal of up to 90% waste diversion. In 2021, Safeway recycled over 25 million pounds of plastic bags and film, which were upcycled by Trex into long-lasting composite decking.
Plastic bags are indeed one of the most common sources of marine debris. Plastic items are the most prevalent type of marine debris in oceans, waterways, and the Great Lakes. Plastic debris does not fully biodegrade or decompose, persisting in the environment and fragmenting into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics, measuring less than 5mm in size, can originate from the breakdown of larger plastics or be produced as small plastics like microbeads found in personal care products.
The prevalence of plastic in marine environments is concerning due to its detrimental impact on marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals, such as seabirds, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and fish, can become entangled in or ingest plastic debris, leading to suffocation, starvation, and drowning. According to the United Nations, at least 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris, with plastic accounting for up to 80% of the litter.
Single-use plastic items, including plastic bags, food wrappers, beverage bottles, straws, and takeout containers, are significant contributors to marine debris. These items are designed for convenience and disposability, often ending up in oceans and waterways due to improper trash disposal, littering, or stormwater runoff. Once in the water, plastic debris can be challenging to locate and remove, emphasizing the importance of prevention and proper waste management to reduce the plastic pollution burden on our oceans and marine life.
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Black plastic bags are harder to recycle
Safeway has recycling collection bins available at all of its stores across Oregon. These bins are placed near store entrances to encourage customers to recycle plastic bags and product packaging that are not eligible for the city's residential recycling program. The plastic bags collected at the store are sent to Trex, which manufactures wood-alternative composite decking and railing. In 2021, Safeway recycled more than 25 million pounds of plastic bags and film.
While Safeway does accept plastic bags for recycling, it is important to note that black plastic bags are harder to recycle. Black plastic bags often contain carbon black, the most common pigment used for dying plastic black. This type of plastic is challenging to recycle because it is undetectable by the near-infrared technology commonly used at materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to sort recyclables. As a result, black plastic items may be missed by the scanners and end up in landfills instead of being diverted for recycling.
To address this issue, some companies are minimizing the use of carbon black plastic. Consumers can also play a role by choosing products packaged in clear or light-colored plastic, which is more easily recyclable. It is recommended to avoid putting black plastics in curbside recycling bins unless specifically instructed to do so by local recyclers. Reusing or repurposing black plastic items is another way to reduce waste.
The difficulty in recycling black plastic bags highlights the importance of proper waste management and the need for more sustainable alternatives. While black plastic can be recycled to create other dark-colored plastic items, the recycling process for this specific type of plastic is less accessible due to technological limitations. This issue underscores the complexity of plastic waste reduction and the ongoing efforts required to address it.
Overall, while Safeway's recycling initiatives are commendable, it is important for consumers to be aware of the challenges posed by black plastic bags and to make conscious choices to reduce their environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Safeway recycles plastic bags and plastic film packaging.
Safeway has recycling bins for plastic bags and wrap packaging at the entrance of its stores.
The plastic bags and packaging collected at Safeway are sent to Trex, a company that manufactures wood-alternative composite decking and railing. Trex turns the plastic into long-lasting composite decking, made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials.
