Napa Tests Yellow Crates for Soft Plastic Recycling

Napa County, California, is currently experimenting with a novel approach to tackle the persistent challenge of soft plastic recycling. Through November, about 1,000 households are participating in a pilot program utilizing distinctive yellow crates.

The yellow crates are designed to house two separate bags: one for clean, single-layer films like plastic bags and shrink wrap, and another for multi-material packaging such as chip bags. This separation is crucial for preventing these flexible materials from tangling machinery used in standard curbside recycling operations.

Soft plastics have historically posed a significant problem for recycling systems due to their tendency to wrap around sorting equipment, contaminating loads and hindering the recovery of other recyclables. This initiative seeks to improve material cleanliness and collection efficiency.

This program is a test to determine the viability of a dedicated collection system for these difficult-to-process items. Napa County officials have expressed optimism, noting enthusiastic public participation when the initial spots for the yellow crates were made available, filling up rapidly.

The effort aligns with California's broader legislative goals, including SB 54, which mandates that all packaging in the state be recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2032. The success of this pilot could inform future strategies for managing flexible film waste.