Home / Environment / Soft Plastics: The Hidden Recycling Hazard You Can't Ignore
Soft Plastics: The Hidden Recycling Hazard You Can't Ignore
31 May
Summary
- Soft plastics clog recycling machinery, halting operations and damaging equipment.
- Over 3 million tons of plastic bags were sent to U.S. landfills in 2018.
- Designated drop-off bins at stores are the correct recycling method for plastic films.
Soft, stretchy plastics, commonly found in grocery bags and packaging, present a substantial environmental hurdle. When sent to landfills, these materials can endure for centuries, gradually breaking down into harmful microplastics. In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that over 3 million tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps ended up in landfills.
These flexible plastics also disrupt recycling processes. Experts note that they frequently clog and damage recycling equipment, making their inclusion in curbside bins counterproductive. Global efforts to limit plastic production, a predominantly oil-based industry, have faced resistance. Therefore, effective management of these plastic films is essential.
Identifying plastic films, such as bread bags or cereal liners, is the first step. Unlike rigid plastics, they are soft and flexible. Many are made from polyethylene, indicated by recycling numbers two or four. These can often be recycled at designated drop-off bins in grocery or convenience stores, typically after being cleaned and free of residue. Items without numbers or those made of multiple layers are more complex to recycle.
Plastic bags and films should never go into household recycling bins. Instead, they should be collected separately and taken to specialized drop-off points. Companies like Trex transform these recycled films into products such as outdoor decking. Local organizations may also repurpose them for art or crafts. Reducing reliance on plastic films by opting for reusable bags and minimal packaging remains a key strategy.
Furthermore, extending the life of existing plastic bags through reuse is a practical approach. Repurposing them for various household needs or as liners for trash cans can delay their disposal. While achieving a completely plastic-free lifestyle is challenging, adopting small, consistent changes in how we manage and reduce our use of plastic films can make a tangible positive impact on the environment.
