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Plastic Film Fiasco: How to Recycle the Unrecyclable
21 May
Summary
- Soft plastics clog recycling equipment and take centuries to degrade.
- Designated store drop-off bins are the correct way to recycle plastic films.
- Reduce reliance on plastic films by choosing reusable alternatives.
Soft, stretchy plastics, commonly found in grocery bags and bread packaging, present a considerable environmental challenge. These plastic films can take centuries to degrade in landfills, releasing harmful microplastics. In 2018, the United States sent over 3 million tons of these materials to landfills. Furthermore, placing them in regular curbside recycling bins can severely disrupt machinery.
Experts advise against "wishcycling" these materials into general recycling streams. Instead, many types of plastic films, particularly those labeled with numbers two or four (low-density polyethylene), can be recycled at designated drop-off points in grocery or convenience stores. These collected films are then reprocessed into new products like outdoor decking.
Reducing consumption is also key. Opting for reusable bags and avoiding heavily packaged goods can significantly lessen plastic film waste. Even small swaps, like purchasing loose produce instead of pre-wrapped bunches, make a difference. Reusing existing plastic bags for multiple purposes before disposal also extends their lifespan.
