Print or Download the March Program Theme flyer
What is Plastic Film?
Plastic film is thin polyethylene plastic used for wraps, packaging or commercial/retail use bags. Polyethylene (PE) film may have a #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE label.
Why Can’t I put Plastic Film in my Normal Recycling?
Plastic film that is incorrectly recycled can contaminate the waste stream and jam the machinery at recycling plants. They must be manually cut out of the machinery and sent to landfills which raises costs for the facility and is dangerous for the workers.
How to Recycle Plastic Film
Ensure all plastic bags, wraps and film are clean and dry before recycling. This means no crumbs, no food residue, and no liquid inside them. Drop-off locations are found in stores with plastic bag recycling and in your residential community’s office.
What can be Recycled?
- Retail, carryout, produce, newspaper, bread, and dry-cleaning bags (clean, dry and free of receipts and clothes hangers)
- Zip-top food storage bags (clean and dry)
- Plastic shipping envelopes (remove labels), bubble wrap and air pillows (deflate)
- Product wrap on cases of water/soda bottles, paper towels, napkins, disposable cups, bathroom tissue, diapers, and female sanitary products
- Furniture and electronic wrap
- Plastic cereal box liners (but if it tears like paper, do not include)
- Any film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle Label
What can’t be recycled?
- Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
- Pre-washed salad mix bags
- Frozen food bags
- Candy bar wrappers
- Chip bags
- Six-pack rings
What Could your event look like?
- Hold a plastic film recycling drive and ask residents for a piece of film in exchange for a cookie or quick snack!
- Set up a game of recycling jeopardy to quiz your residents on proper recycling of plastic film.
- Set up a movie screening of A Plastic Ocean or another film related to plastic film.