Residential recycling and disposal search tool

Stretchy plastic bags

How to recycle stretchy plastic bags

Stretchy plastic bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Produce bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Ziploc bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Bread bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Fruit and vegetable bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Protection packaging bags on new products (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Frozen produce bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Small protection bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Household product bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Plastic shopping bags (bundled into one stretchy bag)

Examples of stretchy plastic bags

TIP: If the plastic bag stretches (like a grocery bag) it's recyclable; if it does not stretch, is crinkly or tears (like a chip bag or cellophane), it's not recyclable.

  • Plastic shopping bags and grocery bags 
  • Produce bags
  • Bread bags
  • Frozen vegetable bags
  • Sandwich/lunch bags
  • Dry cleaner bags
  • Resealable bags and freezer bags (e.g. Ziploc)
  • Vacuum seal bags and packaging
  • Plastic wrap (e.g. Saran wrap) and bubble wrap
  • Plastic protection bags often used on new electronics and online clothing orders
  • Smaller protection bags often used to hold nuts and bolts and other small supplies
  • Plastic packaging on household items such as toilet paper and paper towels

  • Put into your blue cart or take to a community recycling depot

Bundle empty and clean stretchy bags into a single plastic bag (also one that stretches):

  • Into your blue cart for recycling
  • Take to a community recycling depot

Securely tie the bag closed by tying handles together twice or knotting bag at top. Do not use elastics or twist ties.

Special instructions

  • Remove stickers and labels off the bags where possible. If some of the sticker is left behind, that’s ok.
  • If you're not sure if a bag is stretchy, put in your black cart as garbage.
  • TIP: Hang a bag off a hook/door handle and fill up with plastic bags as you finish using them. Once full, double-knot bag closed for recycling. 

Why do plastic bags need to be bundled together?

Loose plastic bags get stuck in other recyclables and create equipment jams at the sorting facility. Bundling your bags into one bag allows the workers at the sorting facility to properly pull them out for recycling. If you put your bags in loose, they will not get recycled.

Map of community recycling depots

Explore similar items

Non stretchy plastic bags

Reusable bags

Cling wrap

Compostable bags

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