Alexei Volkov
Plastic film is a common material used in packaging and products, but it can be tricky to recycle. While plastic films are technically recyclable, they often end up in landfills due to limited recycling options. The lightweight and stretchy nature of plastic films means they can escape into the environment, threatening wildlife and breaking down into harmful microplastics. However, recycling plastic films can save up to 23% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to manufacturing new plastics. To recycle plastic films, they must be clean and dry, and then taken to a drop-off location. Some grocers and retailers accept plastic films for recycling, but it's important to verify before dropping them off. Several labels, such as How2Recycle and Smart Label, provide guidance on how and where to recycle different materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable plastic film packaging | #2 and #4 plastic resins |
| Plastic film packaging that is typically not recyclable | Multi-layered standup pouches, bioplastics, PVC, and other non-PE films |
| How to recycle | Clean and dry before dropping off at a store or a location near you |
| Store drop-off programs | Available at Walmart, Target, and other large retailers |
| Recycling methods | Downcycled to make composite lumber, upcycled into pellets to make new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes |
| Benefits of recycling plastic film | Saves 8-23% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to manufacturing virgin flexible plastics, reduces total energy used, water consumption, and global warming potential |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic film packaging
It is important to ensure that plastic film packaging is clean and dry before recycling, as food residue or moisture can cause contamination during the recycling process. Some programs, such as the Hefty ReNew™ program, are working to make it easier for consumers to recycle plastic film packaging by allowing them to recycle these materials curbside.
There are also other ways to recycle plastic film packaging. For example, it can be reprocessed into small pellets, which can then be made into new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes. Additionally, recycled plastic film packaging can be used to make composite lumber for decks, fences, benches, playground sets, and other outdoor uses.
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Plastic film recycling locations
Plastic film is typically recycled to make composite lumber, which can be used to create a wide variety of products, such as decking, fences, and other outdoor items. The process of recycling plastic film involves downcycling the material, which means it may not be recycled into the same product again but can still be reused and repurposed.
While the plastic films used for wraps and packaging are technically recyclable, the way they are utilised in products and packaging is crucial. Plastic films encompass a wide range of items, from plastic grocery bags and retail shopping bags to dry cleaning bags, newspaper delivery bags, bread bags, and even the plastic cover on a new mattress.
To recycle plastic film, it is essential to ensure that it is clean and dry. Wet or food-soiled plastic film should be avoided as it can cause contamination during the recycling process. Many grocers and large retailers, such as Target and Walmart, now accept plastic bags, wraps, and films for recycling. However, there has been some controversy regarding whether these collected plastics are actually recycled. These retailers often have recycling bins near the front of their stores. Additionally, online resources like Earth911's Recycling Locator allow users to enter their ZIP code to find plastic film recycling locations nearby.
Some specific locations for plastic film recycling are listed on websites, including contact information. For instance, one source provides the following addresses and phone numbers for plastic film recycling:
- 2350 Noriega Street, (415) 665-4565
- 735 7th Ave, (415) 683-4070
- 145 Jackson Street, (415) 982-3112
- 298 King St, (415) 633-1001
- 1000 Amador Street, (415) 621-6200
- 501 Tunnel Avenue, (415) 330-1400
- 1200 Irving Street, (415) 661-3220
- 375 32nd Ave, (415) 683-4102
- 4950 Mission Street, (415) 587-7200
- 15 Marina Blvd, (415) 787-7200
It is important to note that not all plastic films are accepted through store drop-off programs, so it is recommended to verify before dropping off your items. Additionally, some flexible plastic packaging may not be accepted through these programs. Subscription services through specialty recyclers are also available in select areas for a monthly fee.
The NexTrex Directory provides a list of retail chains by state that accept plastic film for recycling. The Trex Company, which runs the NexTrex program, is one of the largest recyclers of plastic film and currently handles a significant portion of post-consumer film collected through drop-off locations in the United States.
The FFRA (Film and Flexible Packaging Recycling Organisation) is also working to add alternative collection systems beyond retail drop-off to their searchable database, making it easier for consumers to identify the best options for flexible film recycling.
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Plastic film reuse
Plastic film is a thin and flimsy material that is often stretchy and used for packaging. It is commonly used for plastic bags, wraps, and bubble wrap, among other things. While plastic film can be recycled, it is not always accepted by standard single-stream recycling systems due to its lightweight nature, which can cause it to fly away and get stuck in machinery. Therefore, it is important to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept plastic film for recycling.
One way to recycle plastic film is through store drop-off programs, which are typically sponsored by retailers. Many grocers and large retailers, such as Target and Walmart, accept plastic bags, wraps, and film for recycling. These programs only accept clean and dry plastic film, as food residue and moisture can cause contamination during the recycling process.
Another option for recycling plastic film is to find a specialised recycler that accepts this material. Some communities may provide flexible film collection bins in public spaces, or you can look for subscription services through specialty recyclers for a monthly fee.
There are also emerging technologies that are improving the recyclability of plastic film. For example, advanced recycling technologies can break down plastic into its building blocks for reuse as brand-new plastic. Additionally, new sortation techniques and technologies are being developed to capture more plastic film packaging from households.
While recycling plastic film is important, it is also crucial to minimise the use of plastic film packaging and find alternatives whenever possible. This can include eliminating plastic wraps around fruits or vegetables, redesigning containers to not require outer plastic film, or swapping out thin film for more sustainable options.
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Plastic film recycling challenges
Plastic film is used in a wide range of applications, from packaging and construction to agriculture and healthcare. The increasing use of plastic film has led to a growing problem of plastic waste, which recycling can help address. However, plastic film recycling is a complex process with several challenges.
One of the main challenges is contamination. Post-consumer plastic film is often contaminated with food waste, dirt, oils, and other materials, making it difficult to recycle. Even post-industrial plastic film can be contaminated with chemicals and other substances. Cleaning the plastic film before recycling can help, but it may be challenging to remove certain contaminants like grease.
Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure and coordination between businesses, recyclers, and consumers. This results in post-consumer and post-industrial plastic film not always being collected for recycling. Additionally, the variety of plastic films used in different industries can make sorting and recycling them difficult. Some plastic films are made of multiple layers, which are challenging to separate and recycle.
The recyclability of plastic film is also influenced by its format. Curbside recycling programs often do not accept plastic wrap and film due to their small, thin, and lightweight nature. As a result, consumers need to locate specific drop-off locations or retailer-sponsored programs to recycle these materials. However, even with retailer-sponsored programs, there may be confusion about which flexible plastic films are accepted, and not all retailers offer this service.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for plastic film recycling. The growing demand for sustainable products from consumers and businesses creates a market for recycled plastic film. Technological advancements are also making plastic film recycling more efficient and cost-effective, and governments are implementing policies to promote plastic recycling. These factors provide incentives for businesses to invest in plastic film recycling technologies and infrastructure.
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Plastic film recycling labels
Plastic film is typically made using #2 and #4 plastic resins, also known as polyethylene. Both of these resins are recyclable, and plastic film can be recycled through in-store drop-off programs. However, it is important to ensure that the plastic film is clean and dry before dropping it off for recycling, as wet or food-soiled plastic film can cause contamination during the recycling process.
To make it easier for consumers to recycle plastic film, several labels exist to provide clear instructions on how and where to recycle different materials. One example is the How2Recycle label, a third-party, standardized labelling system. The How2Recycle Store Drop-Off label indicates that an item can be recycled through a retailer-sponsored program that collects plastic bags and other flexible plastic packaging in stores. Another example is the Smart Label, a QR code that provides information on recycling as well as other details that consumers may find useful.
It is worth noting that not all flexible plastic packaging is accepted through store drop-off programs, so it is important to verify before dropping off your plastic film for recycling. Additionally, while plastic film can be recycled, its recyclability depends on how it is used in packaging and products. For instance, plastic wrap and film cover a wide range of materials, including dry cleaning bags, mattress covers, newspaper bags, and bread bags.
There are ongoing efforts to improve the recycling of plastic film, with emerging advanced recycling technologies breaking down plastic into its building blocks for reuse as brand-new plastic. The Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition, for instance, works to identify and scale recovery methods for film and flexible packaging, diverting these materials from landfills. These initiatives are crucial as plastic films are not accepted in most curbside recycling bins due to their thin and flimsy nature, which makes it difficult for standard single-stream recycling systems to process them.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic film is the wrap around many household products, including paper plates, napkins, bathroom tissue, diapers, and more. It is also commonly used in e-commerce packaging like air pillows, bubble wrap, and poly mailers.
Plastic film made using #2 and #4 plastic resins is recyclable. Generally, if plastic film can stretch and has an equilateral triangle with resin codes 2 or 4 on it, it can be recycled.
First, make sure the plastic film is clean and dry. Then, take it to your nearest drop-off location to be collected for recycling. There are more than 18,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, including many grocery stores.
Plastic film can be recycled into composite lumber for decking, fences, benches, playground sets, and other outdoor uses. It can also be made into new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes.
