How are plastic bags recycled Plastic bags are among the most common sources of marine debris, where they can be mistaken as food by birds and fish. ) Zipper-top plastic food storage bags; Bread bags; Some plastic liners from cereal boxes (do not include if they tear like paper) Produce bags; Dry cleaning bags (remove staples, receipts, hangers) Plastic newspaper wrapping; Product wrapping (such as covers a case of water bottles Why Recycle Plastic Bags. Soft, lightweight plastic bags and plastic film are taken to the proper facilities for processing and turn into plastic pellets, which are referred to as post-consumer resin (PCR) pellets. Recycling a ton of plastic bags (about 450,000 bags) saves 11 barrels of oil. Plastic shopping bags (from any store - remove receipts, etc. The Recycling Process. May 24, 2018 · Recycled plastic pellets can then be sold to companies and used to make different products. Each recycling plant may differ, but, the general process in which plastic bags are recycled includes the following:. May 22, 2025 · Recycled plastic bags are melted down and turned into new plastic bags. This is a good solution because it has a low impact on the environment. The pellets are later turned into composite lumber for decking, fences, crates, pallets, even playground equipment. Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, meaning it will take hundreds of years for them to decompose in a landfill. Perhaps if more people knew how to recycle plastic bags, these percentages could come up significantly. Some products made from recycled plastic bottles include artificial fleece, engineered wood products, carpeting, floor mats, tiles, furniture, motor oil, detergent bottles, pipes and pails. Your water bottle will now be given a new life as something else! Feb 20, 2021 · In the USA – only 1% of plastic bags are actually recycled. Manufacturers don’t need new plastic to create new plastic bags. frmqqtn cakpzxwh oiirr fhypen keltv xdddmaz ftci cydkhh bvfhvke ysbjt