When it comes to preventing litter and making the most of our resources, regular recycling is an important part of the solution. Plastic shopping bags are fully recyclable, and can be brought back to a number of major grocery and retail chains across the United States. Many communities have found success educating consumers about bag recycling.
Success Stories
“A Bag’s Life”—A voluntary public education program to increase plastic bag recycling and reuse in the state of Florida. Partners in the effort include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Recycling Partnership, the Florida Retail Association, PBA/ACC and other major grocery and retailers including Walmart and Publix.
“Bag Your Bags. Bring ‘Em Back”—King County (WA) Solid Waste Division is sponsoring this program to enhance plastic bag recycling in partnership with several major grocers in the county’s 37 cities (also promoting recycling of paper bags and use of reusable bags).
“Bring It Back Philly”—A public education campaign to increase awareness of the recyclability of plastic bags and locations for recycling bags and wraps. Spearheaded by a Philadelphia council member, this program is supported by Keep Philadelphia Beautiful, the PA Food Merchants, Penn Jersey Paper, PBA/ACC, Goodwill Industries and Trex.
“Got Your Bags”—An effort by Keep California Beautiful which has launched pilot programs in major cities in state to promote recycling of plastic bags and use of reusable bags. PBA is co-sponsoring this program with local grocers and the state waste authority.
Lake County, Illinois—A voluntary at-store pilot program is underway to increase plastic bag and film recycling. This program is co-sponsored by local retailers, legislators, recyclers and PBA/ACC.
“It’s In the Bag”—Minnesota’s successful plastic bag and film recycling program sponsored by the state chamber, state recyclers association and local grocers/retailers. It has been expanded to Duluth (employs handicapped adults as service providers).
Iowa’s “Build with Bags”—A bag recycling program to convert plastic shopping bags into recycled products for parks and schools. It is sponsored by the state grocers assn., waste authority, Keep Iowa Beautiful and Dept. of Natural Resources. A unique component of this program is that it provides grants to schools and parks to purchase recycle plastic playground equipment and benches.
Bag Central Station created convenient, efficient and effective bag recycling opportunities in Arizona. Since its inception in 2007, there are now 13 Arizona retailers hosting Bag Central Station in 6 cities.