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Have a tough recycling question? We’re here to help! Ask the Experts »

Q: I am confused about what to do with plastic bags. What’s the proper way to dispose of them?

A: San Jose does not accept any type of plastic bag in the recycling cart. They can get tangled up in the machinery at recycling facilities, endangering workers and halting the recycling process. Instead, you can put them in your garbage cart or drop them off at a store with a plastic bag recycling bin. Here’s what you can recycle in store-drop off bins:

• Plastic bags
• Bread bags
• Bubble wrap
• Case wrap
• Cereal bags & box liners
• Diaper packaging
  
• Dry cleaning bags
• Newspaper bags
• Pallet or stretch wrap
• Plastic air pillows
  
• Produce bags
• Toilet paper wrap
• Tyvek envelopes
• Ziploc bags
• Any bag with a recycling symbol marked plastic #2 or #4, or How2Recycle’s “Store Drop-Off” label

Here are a few common items that can’t be recycled in store drop-off bins:

• Biodegradable or compostable bags
• Salad mix bags
• Candy wrappers
• Pet food bags
• Frozen food bags
• Any bag marked plastic #7
• Any other plastic bag that feels thick and durable, or bags that are loud and crunchy when you handle them

All items must be clean and dry to be recycled. Dirty and/or wet bags can contaminate the whole bin and keep it from being recycled.

Film plastics are recycled into new bags, packaging, or even into durable home products, such as composite lumber used to make decks and benches.

Ready to recycle your film plastics? Find a location near you.

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