Have you ever heard of tumbleweeds blowing in the wind? Kind of peaceful. We can dig it. But do you want to know what we don’t love seeing blowing around out there? You guessed it: plastic bags!
If you’ve been recycling for a minute, you’ve probably heard that plastic bags can’t be recycled in your curbside bin. But before you let those things tumble around in the breeze, there are ways to still recycle them!
Take it from us — Nyla P. Lastic, the Queen of Plastic Recycling, and Frank, the King of “Other” Recycling. Let’s break it down.
How to recycle plastic bags
- Don’t put them in your curbside bin. They can tangle around the sorting machines at the recycling center — not cool!
- Make sure they’re clean and dry and free from things like receipts.
- Designate a place to collect them at home.
- Check with a grocery store or other retailer in your area to see if they accept them. Usually there’s a drop-off bin in the store.
No special trip required! Just grab your bags the next time you plan to hit the grocery store.
Not sure if your plastic bag can be returned to the store? Try the stretch test! If it stretches, it can probably go. Or check with your individual retailer to see if they have a list of accepted items.
And while we know using plastic bags happens to the best of us, try opting for reusable bags where you can!
Now excuse us while we go chase down a few bags to return!