One thing we can all do better about is to keep plastic film sheets out of our blue recycle cans.  According to the City of Gilbert, these plastic bags and sheets “are by far the worst contaminated item in the recycling can.”

Reposted from City of Gilbert’s webiste:

Most plastics can be divided into two types: containers and films.
Containers include bottles, tubs, and trays, which are recyclable. However, films which includes shopping bags, Ziploc bags, bubble wrap, packaging materials, zip lock bags, tarps, Saran wrap… to name a few is not recyclable. Our Recycling Plant does not accept these types of Plastic films even if they are marked with the approximate recycling symbol.

Plastic films are our #1 contaminant item that we come across when it comes to recycling. Plastic bags and films are harmful to our environment. They become litter, endanger wildlife, and are non-biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 1000 years. The major issue Recycling Plants has towards plastic bags and films is that it clogs and finds their way into the machinery which could potentially damage the equipment.

Not to mention if a load of recyclables that has been picked up by the Recycling Truck has more contaminated items–the Recycling Plant may reject the entire load and send it to a landfill, which could cost the town money. Therefore, please remember to NEVER put plastic bags or plastic films in your recycling can, even if you’re using that bag to hold excess recyclables (this includes shredded paper!). If you need a bag, you could put it in a brown paper bag.

The following types of plastics are not recyclable. They are considered contaminants and are not accepted at the Recycling Plant:

NO food or cling wrap, bubble wrap
NO prepackaged food bags including frozen food bags (prewashed salad bags, vegetable bags)
NO newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, zip lock bags, plastic cereal box liners, case wrapping (water bottles, snacks) Softener Salt Bags, Ice Cube Bags
NO other bags or films from grocery, retail, and Drug stores (Bags can be recycled at most participating stores).
NO bio-based or compostable plastic bags

Remember to Reduce Plastic Bag Use
When you bring your reusable canvas bags with you to the store, you can save thousands of plastic bags from being used. It’s an easy and effective way to conserve the environment resources and reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in the landfill.

• Make a habit of storing reusable shopping bags in your car, backpack or handbag to keep them handy.
• Use your own bags for groceries and at department stores.
• Reuse any plastic bags you have as many times as possible.
• Recycle plastic bags at participating grocery stores.
• If  you have to use Plastic bags, you can use them by saving money buy using plastic bags as trash can liners,
• To pick up animal waste.
• When traveling, use plastic bags in your suitcases for dirty underclothes

Remember there are many alternative uses for Plastic bags. Thank you for participating in Gilbert’s Recycling Program. We appreciate your support.

Photo credit: taberandrew