YESS!!! Why can’t plastic bags be put in the recycling bin? As I learned plastic bags jam up the machinery at the MRF when they get caught, causing facilities to shut down to get them untangled. Even though all plastic bags are “going” to a recycling facility, they get sent to a landfill.
With recent COVID-19 pandemic, the consumption of plastic bags and single use plastic exploded, contributing to already struggling SDG 12 goal - Responsible Consumption and Production.
So what can you do with plastic bags instead of putting them in the recycling bit? Bring your clean plastic bags to a local drop-off location. Most grocery stores have a bin outside for you to conveniently drop them off. To find a drop-off location near you visit: Bag and Film Recycling.
Plastic bags you can INCLUDE into the drop-off boxes: plastic bags, grocery bags, produce bags, newspaper bags, zipper sandwich bags, cereal bags, plastic wraps, the-wrap-around packs of drink bottles, paper towels bags, and diaper bags, shipping contents and pouches, plastic pouches, Amazon shipping bag, and air pillows.
DO NOT INCLUDE: biodegradable or compostable bags, pre-washed veggie and salad mix bags, candy wrappers, most pet food bags, chip bags.