![]() ![]() Recycling contamination is another huge concern regarding the recyclability of soft plastic bags. These are core, unavoidable problems when it comes to recycling soft plastics, but they’re not the only ones. That means the costly nature of recycling Ziploc bags doesn’t really have a payback for recycling facilities. Cost: While some plastics can be recycled up to 10 times before they “downcycle” into an unusable quality, LDPE is already so flimsy that it can only be recycled once (which is why you don’t often see recycled plastic bags).Separation problems: Ziplock bags are often mixed in with other types of plastic, making it difficult for recycling facilities to separate them and recycle them properly.Clogs: Ziploc bags are made of a thin and flimsy type of plastic that can easily tear or get caught in recycling machinery, causing damage and delays at the facility.The biggest obstacle to recycling sandwich bags is the recycling process itself. To make it more affordable, talk to your friends and family about going in on one box (they’re spacious and can fit a LOT of zip lock bags) so you can all properly dispose of your plastic waste while saving a little money. You can still recycle them through Terracycle’s Plastic Packaging Zero Waste Box, but you’ll need to pay for the box yourself. ![]() While Ziploc has partnered with them to offer a free recycling program for their Endurables™ containers and pouches, no such recycling program exists for their single-use bags. If all else fails, Terracycle specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle materials, including LDPE. ![]() Otherwise, look for an organization that specifically recycles plastic bags, such as Plastic Film Recycling. Even if you’ve cleaned yours, they may not be due to potential food contamination issues. Your best (and easiest) bet may be to look for a soft plastic recycling bin at the entrance of many major grocery stores-though ask management if zip lock bags are acceptable. If it turns out your local recycling plant does offer a Ziploc bag recycle service, make sure that it’s clean, dry, and empty before recycling, and placed in a separate plastic bag for collection. Most recycling centers do not due to the fact that it’s thin and flimsy-leading to a cost-heavy recycling process that most facilities deem not worth the effort. However, unless clearly labeled that soft plastic bags are acceptable, it’s important to double-check with your local recycling program to see if they accept LDPE Ziploc bags. Recycling centers that accept LDPE will typically have a specific container or bin designated for this type of plastic, or it can be combined with other types of plastic that are labeled #4. While LDPE is recyclable, not all recycling centers accept such soft plastics. Since they’re all made of the same core materials, the following rules apply to any standard (i.e. Namely: can you recycle Ziploc bags?īefore we get more transparent about these clear bags, a quick note of clarification: Ziploc is a brand name, and much like Kleenex has become synonymous with tissues, Ziploc is the shorthand for all kinds of plastic snack, sandwich, and freezer bags. That’s why we’re asking the important questions about how to better dispose of them. ![]() Our dependence on these food storage bags racks up a lot of plastic waste-like, 4.2 million tons of it, when combined with plastic shopping bags and film. With a lightweight design and resealable zipper closure to keep content completely contained and fresh, these resealable plastic bags are convenient, no doubt-but as usual, the planetary price of convenience is a steep one. Many of us grew up going through multiple zip lock-type bags a day without thinking much about their impact. ![]()
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