Plastic Bag & Wrap Recycling

You may know that plastic grocery bags can be recycled, but are you aware of the full extent that other similar materials can be recycled? Some communities allow plastic bags to be placed in curbside carts, overall the recycling industry encourages recyclers to use retail drop-off locations. Find a location where bags are accepted.
Accepted Bags
These locations don't just accept grocery bags, they also accept:
  • Air pillows (deflated)
  • Bubble wrap
  • Case wrap (beverage cases, snacks)
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Food storage bags (clean and dry)
  • Furniture and electronic stretch film
  • Newspaper bags
  • Plastic packaging on paper products
  • Plastic shipping envelopes
  • Produce bags
  • Tyvek (no labels)
Plastic bag with the recycle logo
Get a full list and examples of accepted items. Drop-off locations may vary with what items they will accept. Once you have found your location, check to make sure they accept the items you want to bring.

Bags Not Accepted
The following items are not accepted at any location:
  • Degradable bags
  • Frozen food bags
  • Prewashed salad mix bags
If a bag is not labeled as degradable, a simple test will determine whether it can be taken or not. If you give the bag or wrap a slight tug and it stretches, it is likely recyclable. If it rips or tears more similar to paper, it is likely not. When in doubt, don't recycle items you are unsure of. Bags and films that are dirty or wet hinder the recycling process and may prevent the reuse of entire loads of recovered items.

Get more information on W.R.A.P., a new Wisconsin initiative for plastic recycling.