Plastic bags are made out of "film", or thin flexible sheets of
plastic. Plastic film is typically defined as any plastic less
than 10 mm thick. The majority of plastic films are made from
polyethylene resin and are readily recyclable if the material is
clean, dry, and not pigmented black.
The resin coding system was originally intended for rigid plastic
containers only. However, many manufacturers are now putting the
code on plastic films too. Check out www.plasticsresource.com for
more information about plastics recycling, resin codes, and other
types of plastic. If no resin code is printed on the plastic film
or bag, the film's application may indicate the resin type since
different resins are chosen for their unique performance (examples
below). Also observe the plastic film's characteristics and
appearance and compare to the descriptions below.
Mixing Plastic Film Types:
Many buyers, or end users, accept a mixture of LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and MDPE. It is VERY important that you check
your buyer's specifications. A big challenge in recycling is accumulating enough material to efficiently transport it to
market. Combining compatible material is one way to improve efficiency.
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| RESIN CODE |
CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES |
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LDPE#4 - Low Density Polyethylene
(unpigmented films have high clarity, moderate stretch & strength characteristics)
- Bags (e.g., thicker newspaper bags, bread bags)
- Bubble wrap (may also contain nylon)
Note: Bubble wrap recycling can be difficult
without local markets due to shipping constraints.
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LLDPE#4 - Linear Low Density Polyethylene
(unpigmented films have moderate clarity, slightly tacky feel to the touch, stretchy)
- Stretch wrap
- Bags (e.g. clear, thin newspaper bags)
- Dry cleaning film
- Agricultural films (silage bags, greenhouse films, wraps for hay bales)
Note: Because agricultural films often come in
contact with the ground or most farm products, many
recyclers currently reject this material due to
contamination. Residue and paint used for UV protection
are other contaminants often found on agricultural films.
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MDPE#4 - Medium Density Polyethylene
(unpigmented films have moderate clarity, poor stretch
and strength characteristics)
- Consumer paper packaging (i.e. toilet paper, paper towel)
Note: MDPE is a variation on the production of
LDPE and is often labeled #4. It’s generally used as an
alternative to other resins in film applications where
strength is not required.
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HDPE#2 - High Density Polyethylene
(unpigmented films have some opacity, crinkle to the
touch, low stretch, can tear easily, high strength)
- Most grocery bags
- T-shirt bags
- Bags with sealed air for packaging (e.g., air cushion)
Note: Release air from air cushions before including with bags
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Contaminated film such as agricultural films or film with
residue such as glue or paint may not have a market even though
the film is polyethylene. For information on other film types
click here.
Check out www.plasticsresource.com for more information about
plastics recycling, resin codes, and other types of plastic.
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