Chloe Zhang
Plastic film is a significant contributor to global waste, and recycling it is essential to preserving natural ecosystems and reducing the environmental impact of plastic. While the infrastructure to recycle plastic film exists, the collection and sorting of this material pose significant challenges. Plastic film must be clean, uncontaminated, dry, and separate from other plastics to be processed for reuse. Retailers play a crucial role in facilitating the recycling of plastic film, with some providing collection bins in their stores. However, ensuring that these bins are used correctly and that the collected film plastic is properly recycled remains a challenge. To address this issue, various initiatives and directories have been developed, such as the NexTrex Directory and the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance's Plastic Film Recycling Directory, to help consumers find drop-off locations and encourage the recycling of plastic film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic film recycling | Conserves resources, reduces waste, and decreases environmental impact |
| Recycling flexible plastic films | Saves 8-23% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to manufacturing new plastic films |
| How to identify recyclable plastic films | Stretchable plastic films with an equilateral triangle and resin codes 2 or 4 |
| How2Recycle label | Provides disposal instructions and indicates if an item is recyclable |
| Store Drop-off program | Retailer-sponsored program that collects plastic bags and flexible plastic packaging in stores |
| Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling Act | Requires large stores and retail chains in New York to establish plastic bag and film plastic recycling programs |
| NexTrex Directory | Provides a list of retail chains by state that accept and recycle plastic films |
| Trex Company | Buys baled plastic film and processes it into composite decking |
| Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) | Manages the Plastic Film Recycling Directory to advance plastic film recycling |
| Stina Inc. | A company that previously managed the Film Drop-off Directory to support film recycling |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling film plastic in NYC
Plastic films include bread bags, sandwich bags, produce bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, bubble wrap, packing pillows, and shrink wrap from toilet paper or paper towels. In New York, plastic bags are a type of film plastic that should not be put in household recycling bins. Instead, they should be placed in film plastics recycling bins if the material is acceptable.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), stores with 10,000 square feet or more of retail space and retail chains operating five or more stores with over 5,000 square feet of retail space are required to establish an in-store film plastic recycling program. This includes placing recycling bins at reasonable intervals throughout the store and making them easily accessible to customers. These stores are also required to allow the use of reusable shopping bags and make them available for purchase.
When recycling film plastics, it is important to ensure that the materials are clean, dry, and free of residue, including receipts. If the film plastic has had contact with food or other products that may leave residue, be sure to clean and dry it before dropping it into the recycling bin.
By properly recycling film plastics, you are helping to conserve natural resources, keep streets and waterways clean, and protect wildlife. Recycled film plastics can be transformed into composite lumber for decks, benches, and playground equipment, or they can be reprocessed into small pellets for new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes.
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Retailers' recycling responsibilities
Retailers play a crucial role in facilitating plastic film recycling and ensuring its proper disposal. Firstly, they serve as drop-off locations for consumers to recycle their plastic films, including plastic bags and flexible packaging. This is known as the Store Drop-off program, sponsored by retailers, where consumers can bring their collected plastic films to participating stores for recycling. However, it is important to note that not all stores provide this service, and consumers should verify before dropping off their recyclables.
In certain jurisdictions, such as New York State, specific regulations mandate that certain retail and grocery stores must provide film plastics recycling bins for customers. These bins should be easily accessible and well-marked to encourage use. Stores that fail to comply with these regulations can be reported to the appropriate authorities, empowering consumers to hold retailers accountable for their recycling responsibilities.
Retailers can also actively source recycled content for their flexible plastic items, encouraging the end market for recycled materials. This not only reduces the environmental impact of new plastic production but also creates a demand for recycled materials, promoting a more sustainable economy. Additionally, retailers can collaborate with specialised recyclers, such as the Trex Company's NexTrex program, which purchases baled plastic film for processing into composite decking.
Furthermore, retailers should educate their customers about proper plastic film recycling practices. This includes ensuring that the plastic films are clean, dry, and free from residue before placing them in the recycling bins. Proper recycling methods help prevent contamination and ensure the effectiveness of the recycling process. By providing clear instructions and guidelines, retailers can empower their customers to recycle plastic films correctly, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Flexible film recycling
Flexible plastic films are one of the fastest-growing packaging formats, and the good news is that they can be recycled. Recycling flexible plastic films saves anywhere from 8 to 23% of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to manufacturing new plastic.
To recycle flexible plastic films, you can take them to a store that accepts plastic film for recycling. The bin is usually located in the store's entryway. Look for the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label on flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or #4 plastic). You can also look for the How2Recycle label or scan the Smart Label on your package for guidance on where and how to recycle flexible films.
Before dropping off your plastic film for recycling, make sure it is clean and dry to prevent contamination of other materials. It's also important to verify that the store accepts the type of flexible plastic packaging you are looking to recycle, as some materials are not accepted through these programs.
Some examples of flexible plastic films that can be recycled include plastic grocery bags, plastic bubble mailers, air pillows from packages, cling wrap, and plastic film that comes with deliveries.
There are also other ways to recycle flexible plastic films beyond store drop-off programs. For example, the Hefty ReNew™ program, available in select municipalities, allows consumers to recycle alternative plastics curbside. Additionally, certain communities may provide flexible film collection bins in public parking lots or community centers.
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Store drop-off recycling
If you're looking to recycle plastic films, a store drop-off option is a great way to go. Many stores now offer this service, making it convenient for you to recycle your plastic films while running errands or shopping.
When using a store drop-off service, it's important to ensure that your plastic films are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. This is because any food residue or moisture can contaminate the entire batch of recycled plastic, rendering it useless. So, be sure to give your plastic films a quick rinse and let them air dry before dropping them off.
Some stores with larger retail spaces, such as Target, are required by law to provide recycling services. You can typically find recycling bins near the entrance or exit of these stores. However, it's important to note that these bins are often misused, with people throwing garbage or unsuitable plastics into them. This can cause issues with the recycling process, so it's important to be mindful of what you're recycling and to use the correct bins.
To find a store drop-off location near you, you can use online directories. One such directory is the NexTrex Directory, which provides a list of retail chains by state that accept plastic film for recycling. You can also keep an eye out for stores with recycling bins near the entrance or exit, as this is a good indication that they accept plastic film for recycling.
Remember, when it comes to recycling plastic films, it's always best to try and avoid using these materials in the first place. However, if you do find yourself with plastic films to recycle, store drop-off services provide a convenient and accessible way to do your part in protecting the environment.
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How to identify recyclable film plastic
Plastic film is any plastic less than 10mm thick. It is the wrap around many household products, such as paper plates, napkins, and bathroom tissue, and is also used in e-commerce packaging. It is usually made from polyethylene resin and includes things like zip-top bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, and plastic wrap.
Plastic film can be recycled, but not in your curbside recycling bin. Most municipalities in the United States don't accept it, and it can damage recycling equipment. Instead, you can recycle it by bringing it to a drop-off location. There are more than 18,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, including many grocery stores and large retailers such as Target and Walmart.
To identify if your plastic film is recyclable, first, make sure it is clean and dry. Plastic film with food residue or liquid on it cannot be recycled as it can cause contamination during the recycling process.
Secondly, look for a recycling label on your plastic film item. Eligible materials will not always have a label, but an increasing number of companies are including them. The How2Recycle label, for example, is a third-party, standardized labeling system that communicates recycling instructions to the public.
Thirdly, look for a number surrounded by the three-arrow recycling symbol. Most plastic film is categorized as #2 plastic (high-density polyethylene) and #4 plastic (low-density polyethylene). Only these two types of plastic film can be recycled. Plastic film that is not labeled or is not labeled #2 or #4 should be placed in the garbage to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.
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Frequently asked questions
Retailers with over 10,000 sq. ft. of retail space or chains with five or more stores with over 5,000 sq. ft. of retail space are required by law to provide recycling bins for plastic bags and film plastics. Stores are also required to recycle the film plastic they collect and are prohibited from disposing of it as solid waste. Some stores known to have recycling bins include Target, Duane Reade, D'Agostino, and Whole Foods.
Generally, if the plastic film can stretch and has an equilateral triangle with resin codes 2 or 4 on it, it can be recycled. You can also look for the How2Recycle label on your items to find out detailed disposal instructions.
Recycled plastic films can become products such as lumber or decking, stormwater management systems, construction materials, and new flexible plastic films.
