Beyond The Bag: Recycle More at the Store

In one year alone, Americans use over 100 billion single-use plastic bags. Each of those bags, used for an average of only 12 minutes, will remain intact for up to 1,000 years – that’s a lot of waste! The good news is that plastic grocery bags can be brought to local grocery store collection bins for recycling. Even better, you can recycle more than plastic bags on your next grocery trip!

Plastic Bags & Film Accepted for Recycling at the Store:

• Plastic bags

• Produce bags, food storage bags, and bread bags

• Plastic mailing envelopes

• Dry cleaning bags

• Newspaper sleeves

• Case wrap and product overwrap

• Air pillows and bubble wrap

Items Not Accepted for Recycling at the Store:

• Salad bags

• Frozen food bags

• Dog food bags

• Chip and snack bags

• Compostable bags

How to Determine if an Item can be Recycled at the Store:

• Does it have a chasing arrows symbol with #2, #4, or “plastic film” written on it? While not always present on plastic film, if you see a chasing arrow symbol with #2, #4, or “plastic film” written on a flexible plastic item, it can be recycled at the store. If the item does not have this marking, refer to the questions below to determine if it can be recycled at the store.

• Does it crinkle? Bags that crinkle, such as salad bags, frozen food bags, dog food bags, and chip bags cannot be recycled and should be placed in the trash.

• Does it stretch? If the material stretches without tearing, it can be recycled at the store. If the plastic tears like paper, it should be placed in the trash.

• Is it clean and dry? All plastic film must be clean and dry before placing in the collection bin. Simply shake out bread bags and food storage bags before recycling. If an item cannot be made clean, place it in the trash.

• Is it compostable? Compostable bags are not made of the same material as plastic film and cannot be recycled. Instead, bring compostable bags to a local compost facility or place in the trash. 

What Happens After I Drop Off My Plastic Film at the Store?

Each year, tons of plastic film are turned into composite lumber – a plasticized material used in park benches, picnic tables, decks, fences, and playground equipment. This material is commonly used in our parks and pedestrian bridges. Learn more about how bags become benches and find drop-off locations near you here.

For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.