Environmental Issue: Plastic bags can't be recycled with other single stream recyclable materials
Plastic bags are especially challenging because of the misconception that they can be recycled along with other plastics. The fundamental premise of recycling is that the materials are collected, sorted and broken down in order to return them back as close as possible to their initial form so they can be sold. Each type of material has special requirements that needs to be met or purchasers won't accept the recycled material. When it comes to plastic bags even world-class recycling facilities such as the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) located in Boulder Colorado is forced to throw away plastic bags that are comingled in with other recyclable materials. CHaRM will accept plastic bags but only if they are separated, clean and dry. Plastic bags are the material that is most discarded during the single stream sorting process.
Given that there are between 500 billion and one trillion plastic bags produced each year (National Geographic News September 2, 2003) the amount of trash being generated is enormous. Currently less than 1% of bags are recycled (Christen Science Monitor). Many of the bags end of blowing into the ocean and joining one of the gyres which threatens wildlife and food supply chain.
Countries that have banned or taxed plastic bags have seen a significant drop in plastic bag consumption. Some countries such as Ireland have seen a reduction of 90% (BBC News August 20, 2002). Even impoverished countries have banned plastic bags.
Since recycling plastic bags may not be an accessible option people should consider refusing bags when offered, reusing existing bags or switching to cloth bags.
Environmental benefit: Effective recycling of plastic bags diverts them from landfills so that their life can be extended beyond a single use. It may be possible to double or triple the life of the product, which reduces the negative impact on the environment. It also reduces the consumption of virgin materials. The greatest positive impact may be keeping the plastic out the giant gyres forming in the oceans.
Other Benefits: Taxes on plastic bags will become more common and even where taxes don't exist retailers may give money back from bringing your own bags.
Products constructed from plastic bags can be durable and help offset the use of virgin materials. One of the most common uses for recycled plastic bags is engineered synthetic decking materials such as Trex. http://www.trex.com/suppliers/>
Cost and complexities: Not all recycling centers will accept plastic bags so substituting reusable cloth bags for plastic bags is the most viable option for most people. The cost is very low to purchase cloth bags but remembering to take them with you when you shop requires changing habits. There is also a stigma of dragging around bags where ever you go. Unlike recycling other materials, recycling plastic bags is not economical and it's far from profitable so there is little incentive.
Implementation Plan:
- Determine the guidelines in your area for recycling plastic bags. Check with your local grocery store
- Choose a location in your office to collect and store the bags
- Train employees on specific rules such as bags have to be clean and of a certain type
- Purchase some cloth bags for the office so when staff is shopping they have something to use
Where to purchase:
Most grocery stores sell reusable bags.
Some grocery stores will take back plastic bags.
Compressible shopping bags: http://www.simplygreensolutions.com/compact_zipper.php