Based on current residential recycling capabilities, you generally do not recycle soft plastics in your standard home recycling bin; instead, it is more suitable to place them in your household waste bin.
Many people commonly place soft plastics, such as plastic bags, cling wrap, and other flexible packaging, into their home recycling bins. However, this practice is not suitable for most municipal recycling programs. The primary reason is that standard recycling machines are not equipped to process soft plastics. These materials are lightweight and flexible, often getting tangled in the machinery, which can disrupt the entire recycling program and block the machines.
Understanding Soft Plastic Disposal at Home
The inability of recycling facilities to handle soft plastics efficiently means that including them in your regular recycling collection can actually hinder the recycling process for other materials. This leads to contamination and inefficiencies, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of local recycling efforts.
| Material Type | Recommended Disposal in Most Home Programs | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Plastics | Household Waste Bin | Cannot be processed by standard recycling machines; cause disruptions and block machinery. |
| Hard Plastics (e.g., bottles, containers) | Standard Recycling Bin | Typically accepted if clean and empty, as they are designed for machinery processing and separation. |
What to Do with Soft Plastics?
To ensure proper waste management and support the efficiency of your local recycling program, it's crucial to dispose of soft plastics correctly.
- Place in Household Waste: The most suitable method for soft plastics from your home is to dispose of them in your general household waste bin. This ensures they do not contaminate or interfere with the processing of other recyclable materials.
- Avoid Standard Recycling Bins: Despite the common misconception, soft plastics should not be placed in your curbside recycling bin, as they are a major contaminant for recycling machinery.
By correctly separating soft plastics and placing them in household waste, you help maintain the integrity of your local recycling system and prevent costly disruptions at processing plants.
