Home / Environment / Plastic Films Clog Recycling: Find Solutions
Plastic Films Clog Recycling: Find Solutions
22 Sep
Summary
- Soft plastics are difficult to dispose of properly and clog recycling equipment.
- Most plastic films are not accepted in curbside recycling bins.
- Designated drop-off bins at grocery stores are best for recycling plastic films.
Soft plastics, commonly found in grocery bags and packaging, are a significant environmental concern due to their difficulty in proper disposal. If sent to landfills, these materials can take hundreds of years to degrade, releasing harmful microplastics. In 2018, over 3 million tons of plastic bags and wraps in the United States ended up in landfills.
These flexible plastics, often labeled with recycling numbers two or four, also disrupt recycling processes by clogging machinery. Experts advise against placing them in household recycling bins. Instead, consumers should utilize designated drop-off bins, typically found in grocery or convenience stores, for collection and reprocessing.
Companies like Trex transform these collected films into products such as outdoor decking. Before drop-off, it's crucial to ensure the plastic films are clean and free of residue. Beyond recycling, reducing consumption by opting for reusable bags and packaging offers a powerful strategy to mitigate plastic film waste.
