Plastic Bags

Do not place plastic bags, plastic film, mesh bags, pet food, or birdseed bags in curbside recycling.

 

Bags and film get tangled in the sorting machines at the recycling facilities and cause major problems for the recycling process.

Reduce

Say no to plastic bags. Reduce plastic waste by bringing your own reusable bags to the store and by refusing to accept a plastic bag at the checkout. See our waste reduction tips and ideas for remembering your reusable bags. Learn more about Cuyahoga County's #BYOBags initiative and the environmental benefits of choosing reusable bags.

 

Recycle

Plastic shopping bags may be recycled at some retail locations. Check with local stores to confirm the types of plastic bags and film they will accept as the list may vary.

A collection bin can usually be found near the store entrance or the customer service desk. At the retail locations, recycle only clean, dry plastic bags and film. Remove receipts or any other items from the bags. In the store collection bin, recycle:

• Retail, newspaper, dry cleaning, bread, produce, and other plastic bags labeled #2 and #4
• Zip close food storage bags (clean and dry)
• Furniture and electronics wrap
• Plastic cereal box liners/cereal bags
• Plastic shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, and air pillows (remove all labels and deflate; no mixed materials envelopes)
• Product overwrap (used on paper towels, diapers, bathroom tissue, water bottles)
• Any film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle label

For more details, a list of 'NO' items, guidelines for acceptable items, and a location search, visit  How2Recycle. 

NexTrex provides a drop-off directory for plastic bags.  See a list of items accepted in the NexTrex drop-off bins.

 

Plastic bags are recycled into many different products. Most bags and film are turned into composite lumber, but they can be reprocessed into small pellets or post-consumer resin, which can be used to make a variety of new products, such as new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes. Learn more about NexTrex products made from recycled plastic film.

 

Trash

Plastic bags and film that cannot be reused or recycled should be placed in the trash.

 

Reusable bags no longer wanted or are in poor condition should be placed in the trash. We are not aware of any recycling options for reusable bags.

See more details about how to recycle in Cuyahoga County or learn more about the recycling process.

 

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Looking to recycle, donate, or dispose of other items? Use the dark blue 'What Do I Do With?' search bar at the top of every page of this website. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.