Does anyone else take their plastic bags (such as from Wal-mart) to be recycled?

Question

I usually take the bags back to the store but the last time I did, the recyle box was gone. I'm not sure if Wal-Mart has stopped this program of what. But it got me thinking about trying to set up a recylcing program in my area for plastic bags with the procedes going to a non-profit (most likely Habitat for Humanity as I work for the International group and volunteer with the local affiliate). 

My questions are:
1. Do you currently recycle your bags?
2. Would you be more likely to recycle if a program was set up with the procedes going to a non-profit?
3. Can anyone tell me how much money can be made from recycling plactic bags (i.e. how much money per pound)?

Thanks!

M · Accepted Answer

1. I do not recycle them, I reuse them. I do not accumulate any  plastic bags because I use cloth bags for shopping. I have had my cloth bags for over seven years and only have brought home maybe 20 plastic shopping bags over that time.  I always keep a shopping bag in the car. I have a cloth bag for clothes shopping and several large ones for groceries.
2. I already recycle. It is just the right thing to do. I do not need any incentive.
3. I have no idea. I do know that it takes up more energy, produce pollution etc. to use them in the first place (manufacturing them, then recycling), so I just do not use them when I shop. 
Good luck with what you decide.

Brenda L · Answer

The food shelves, Salvation Army etc are always needing bags and boxes. What I don't use for garbage or to line a coffee can by my sink for small scraps, I give to them. 
I may be wrong but I think it would cost you more in gas then you would get in recycle. There is no weight to them. It would take bags full just to get a pound.

Carrie · Answer

All my grocery stores have it (In my area there is safeway and Top Foods, as well as QFC)

I don't do that because I keep them and I use them. Sometimes I throw them away because they get dirty on my car floor. (I guess I could find something better for that problem)

I wouldn't be more likely to recycle them because If i was going to do that I Would just keep them to use for garbage bags, which I do

Also there is a trend (especially in my area, which is pretty eco-oriented, I don't know about other grocery stores of the same chain in other areas) to sell cloth bags for people to buy and reuse and reuse

Ilean · Answer

I currently recycle my plastic bags at the two grocery stores I use most, Acme and Genuardi's.  Both have recycling programs and are conventient, since I shop weekly.

MrT · Answer

No, for me it is easier to re-use plastic bags or use cotton bags as I would have to drive to my local ASDA which would waste fuel when I can just shop down the road and support local stores.

Anonymous · Answer

i agree with the second from top
=]

Trending News

Does anyone else take their plastic bags (such as from Wal-mart) to be recycled?

6 Answers