Plastic bags and wrapping are commonly used in our day-to-day lives. They are lightweight, durable, and convenient for carrying groceries and other items. However, they are also a major source of pollution and harm to the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 9% of plastic bags and plastic wrap are recycled in the United States. The rest end up in landfills or as litter in our oceans and waterways.
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Why Recycle Plastic Bags and Wrapping?
Recycling plastic bags and wrapping can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the environment. It also conserves resources, such as oil, that are used to make new plastic products. Recycling plastic bags and wrapping can also create new jobs and stimulate the economy.
How to Recycle Plastic Bags and Wrapping
Recycling plastic bags and wrapping is easy and can be done in a few simple steps:
- Step 1: Collect your plastic bags and wrapping. This can include grocery bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, and plastic wrap from packaging.
- Step 2: Check with your local recycling program to see if they accept plastic bags and wrapping. If they do, follow their guidelines for preparing the items for recycling.
- Step 3: If your local recycling program does not accept plastic bags and wrapping, look for a drop-off location near you. Many grocery stores and retailers have collection bins for plastic bags and wrapping.
- Step 4: Prepare the plastic bags and wrapping for recycling by removing any stickers or labels and shaking out any crumbs or debris.
- Step 5: Place the plastic bags and wrapping in a recycling bin or drop them off at a collection bin. Do not put them in your curbside recycling bin, as they can clog the machinery at recycling facilities.
What Happens to Recycled Plastic Bags and Wrapping?
Once plastic bags and wrapping are collected for recycling, they are sent to a facility where they are sorted, cleaned, and processed into new products. The plastic is melted down and formed into pellets, which can be used to make new bags, plastic lumber, and other products.
Many retailers and manufacturers are also making efforts to reduce the amount of plastic used in their products and packaging. Some are using biodegradable or compostable materials, while others are promoting reusable bags and encouraging customers to bring their own bags.
Tips for Reducing Plastic Bag and Wrapping Waste
While recycling is an important step in reducing plastic bag and wrapping waste, there are also other things you can do to minimize your impact on the environment:
- Bring your own reusable bags when shopping.
- Avoid using plastic wrap and opt for reusable containers or beeswax wraps.
- Buy products with minimal packaging or packaging that is recyclable.
- Reuse plastic bags and wrapping as much as possible before recycling them.
Remember
Recycling plastic bags and wrapping is an important step in reducing waste and protecting the environment. By following the simple steps outlined above and making a conscious effort to reduce plastic bag and wrapping waste, we can all do our part to create a more sustainable future.