Don’t toss those plastic bags into the recycling cart! Single use grocery and produce bags, bread, zip-top, dry cleaning bags, and many other kinds of plastic film can be recycled at your local grocery store. A good rule of thumb: if you can stretch it, it is recyclable; if it is brittle and rips, it should not be recycled. (See more examples of plastic film.)
To recycle your plastic film, first make sure that it is clean (e.g., no food residue) and dry. Then, take it to your nearest drop-off location to be collected for recycling: Star Market, Shaws, and Stop & Shop are currently accepting recyclable plastic film in bins near their entrances.
Plastic film should NEVER be placed into the green recycling carts at home. They gum up the processing machinery at the recycling centers.
Also, when you’re on your way to the grocery store (or any store), remember to bring along your reusable shopping bags and avoid the ten cent per bag fee.
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