Market demand has been strong for clean scrap plastic bags and film
(e.g., stretch wrap or pallet wrap). The challenge is how to
efficiently collect and consolidate clean material especially from
small, commercial generators. We recommend adding plastic film and
bags to the list of material accepted at drop off recycling
, and we also encourage commercial collection of baled film
or bagged film combined with cardboard collection to minimize
contamination. For information about how to recycle plastics
beyond film and bags, businesses should check out
www.caplastismarkets.com.
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- If your community has space at a recycling drop
off center, consider adding a collection bin for
plastic bags and film. You will need room to store the
loose material prior to baling as well as room to
store enough bales for a whole truckload (~40,000
lbs).
- Go to the business section, setting up a program,
for more information. There you will find information
about baling and loading bales on trucks.
- If you have limited space to store enough material
to make a full truckload, you might also find
companies willing to pick up combination loads of
material or less than truckload quantities in the
directory of recyclers.
- Once you set up your program be sure and add it to
the directory too! Use visible signage to educate
about acceptable and unacceptable plastics for
recycling. Click here for sample signage.
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- Survey recyclers, including haulers, to find out
if they pick up film (baled, bagged, or with
cardboard). Try to find out which recyclers have the
space to separate, bale, and store bales until there
is enough to ship to a buyer.
- We have a directory for recyclers to list their
film pick up service. Search the directory to become
familiar with potential services in your area and also
encourage new service providers to list in the
directory.
- Consider using the downloadable tip sheets to
encourage haulers and generators to recover film.
- Assess which businesses generate film in your
area. Many companies that generate cardboard also
generate plastic film (e.g., retail and distribution
centers). Encourage businesses to explore our business
section of this website, as recovery options will vary
depending on the amount a business generates.
- Very large commercial generators (>1 ton per
month) may be able to work directly with a buyer
(i.e., end user). They may have the option to backhaul
material to their distribution center or enough room
to store large quantities for pick up by a buyer.
Check out the business section for more information on
determining best collection options.
- If companies generate smaller amounts or have no
room for a baler try to connect them with a recycler
who can pick up bagged plastic film with other
recyclables such as cardboard.
- You might help recycling providers (i.e., haulers)
by connecting them with the buyers/end users listed in
our directory. Often when haulers learn that a scrap
material has value they’re more likely to handle the
material.
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Check back for case studies or model programs. As new programs develop we will
document their progress and add their information to this site.
>> Next: Share Information
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