Managing Soft Plastics: Disposal and Reduction Strategies
Soft plastics such as grocery bags and bubble wrap are ubiquitous. Unfortunately, they pose a challenge when it comes to proper disposal. If you throw these materials in the trash, they can take centuries to decompose in landfills. During this time, they may release microplastics into the environment. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, over 3 million tons of plastic bags, wrappings, and sacks in the United States ended up in landfills in 2018.
Recycling centers often cannot process plastic grocery bags as they can jam machinery. Disposing of these materials requires different methods depending on their type and location. Efforts to limit plastic production have stalled as nations, including the U.S., resist negotiations on a global plastic treaty. This resistance indicates plastic production will continue, making proper disposal essential. Here are some tips:
Identifying Plastic Films
Plastic films come in various forms, including bread bags, plastic cereal bags, and bulk item overwrap. You can identify a plastic film by looking for the three-arrow recycling logo, which often has a number inside it. This number reflects the type of plastic, but not its recyclability in curbside bins. Films with numbers two or four are usually made of high or low-density polyethylene and can be recycled at some local grocery or convenience stores.
Items without these numbers are often complex and may contain multiple layers of plastic. For example, meat packaging wrap may have five or more layers. To recycle plastic films correctly, avoid “wishcycling,” or placing them in general recycling bins with the hope they end up in the correct location.
Avoiding Household Recycling Bins
Avoid placing plastic bags in household recycling bins. Drop them off at specific bins in grocery or convenience stores instead. These bags will usually be sent to recyclers who transform them into new materials like outdoor decking. Companies like Trex offer online locators to find drop-off points. Plastic bags and films marked with numbers two and four are generally accepted. Check store-specific regulations for additional types you can recycle. Before dropping off, ensure the plastic is clean and not degraded. Remove items like receipts from bags to prevent contamination.
Some grocers have ceased in-store drop-off programs due to concerns that plastics still end up in landfills. Explore other options like local organizations accepting plastic donations. For instance, NOVA Creative Reuse Center repurposes bubble wrap, while Precious Plastic NYC accepts donations and creates items like clipboards. At-home solutions also exist. Online tutorials guide making reusable items like plastic yarn for crafting totes.
Reducing Plastic Films in Daily Life
To reduce your reliance on plastic films, opt for reusable grocery bags and avoid plastic packaging. Experts, like Meg Sobkowicz from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, note that while plastic wrap preserves food, small changes, like buying unpackaged produce, can make a difference. Shopping locally and secondhand can also reduce the need for plastic packaging associated with shipping.
Reusing Existing Plastic Bags
Reuse plastic bags to extend their life. Bags can be used for multiple grocery trips or as bathroom trash can liners. Newspaper bags can serve as pet waste bags, and different types of bags can transport wet clothes from activities like the beach. Not all plastics can be reused indefinitely, and not every plastic will avoid the landfill. However, making small adjustments is beneficial. Reducing the reliance on new plastics and reusing what you have are positive steps.