Are all plastic bags recyclable?

Question

bags from the grocery store, other stores, etc. I notice some have the recycle symbol on the bottom and some don't. does this mean they can all go in with other regular recycling? or to the "recycle used bags" area at the grocery store?

Answer 1

No.  They are considered trash.  The bags get caught in the machines at the recycling station.

Answer 2

If you have loads of unwanted plastic bags in your house you can recycle them yourself to make something more useful...if your feeling a bit arty! Cut off the handles and base, cut into strips and make 'plarn' (plastic yarn) that you can use for crochet - you can make things like water bottle holders for your bike. If you feel even more arty cut off the handles and base and make into 5-ply plastic fabric - i.e. take 5 sheets of plastic bag (ensure the printed side is not on the outside so ink does not transfer) and place wax paper on top and bottom. Heat on a low-medium heat with an iron for a few seconds and it will fuse together to make a fabric that you can sew together to make messenger bags, etc. Just peel off the wax paper after heating and go! If you need more definite how-to's You Tube have a ton of videos to give you a good demonstration of what to do! x*x  

Answer 3

Most all plastic grocery bags are recyclable. Usually a grocery  store in your area will be doing a recycling program and can even tell you what they are used for.  Our local recycling center said that they are used to make plastic wood products so color usually doesnt matter.  Some are recycled into other plastic bags but usually they are not as flexible and mixed with wood or other products to make plastic wood composite or entirely plastic planks.  This process has improved over the last 10 years to a better looking finished product.  I included a search website where you can find the closest recycling center near you that recycles bags and you can ask what types.

The plastic bags that are typically recycled are:

Grocery Bags

Hard plastic retail bags with strings or handles removed

paper towel and toilet paper wrap

all clean clear bags labeled #2 or #4

plastic newspaper bags and dry cleaner bags.

Some of the other plastic bags are recyclable depending on what area you live. You can also call your local city municipality or County office. Sometimes there is listings under recycling in the phone book.  

If nobody is recycling plastic bags in your area, it may be a great time to ask why not; (locate the recycling center closest to you for drop off.)    

Consider using reuseable shopping bags.

I like the Japanese way of using a meter of decorative cloth (about the size of a scarf and it rolled and tied in such a way to make a carrier for various items you purchase. They then can be carried by the tied ends into a handle in the cloth and when your finished it can be folded and put away in a purse or case you carry with you.

Answer 4

yes... recycle all of them... even the old ziplock bags

Answer 5

Nope.Most plastic bags are bio-degradeable,which means they can't be recycled but they will rot into the earth and dissapear,though this usually takes at least six years.

Answer 6

if you have a recycle used bags area at your grocery store they can definitely be put there.