GOOD NEWS FOR RECYCLING

The following from Alan Northcutt was printed in the Waco Tribune-Herald on July 24th: 

Departing from typical dire climate projections, today I share fantastic news:  those damaging filmy single use plastic bags are now recyclable in Central Texas.  As most Wacoans are aware, the thin grocery bags and similar wraps are not recyclable by the usual methods, including  in blue bins collected by the City of Waco.   However, a new program, “Store Drop-Off,” does recycle these materials that otherwise are destined for the landfill.  Since the program is not well known, this column provides details. 

What is recyclable? These items usually fall into the categories of plastic bags, films, and wraps.  Specifically, these include grocery and produce bags; bread, bagel, and tortilla bags;  plastic mailers including Amazon pouches; packaging air pillows;  zipper bags and pouches; newspaper bags;  case wraps for beverages; dry cleaning bags;  napkin, paper towel, toilet paper, and diaper wrap; and some cereal bags.

What is not recyclable?  These items include biodegradable or compostable bags, candy wrappers, pre-washed salad mix bags, frozen food bags, chip bags, cereal box liners that tear like paper, six-pack  rings, and most pet food bags.

What preparation is required?  Bags, wraps and films should be clean and dry before drop off.  Crumbs should be shaken from the plastic.  Any paper labels are  peeled or cut off, as these interfere with the recycling process.

Where is the plastic dropped-off?  Approximately 26 sites are available in Central Texas, including  H.E.B., Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Target, and Kohl’s, in Waco, Bellmead, Woodway, Temple, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights, Belton, and Gatesville. (I have not personally confirmed the presence of each reported site, so a phone call to a desired location is suggested).  The receptacle is a small square box with a circular opening in the lid and instructions on the front face.  At H.E.B.  locations, this container is located at the side of entrances.

Is the plastic actually recycled?  Since China and other Asian countries are no longer accepting our materials for recycling, this is a reasonable question.  According to the website of Store Drop-Off Recycling, this plastic is either recycled into another bag, or into synthetic lumber, used for park benches and decking

But why is recycling important?  By recycling plastic, we prevent it from entering the environment, where it creates repugnant litter on land and water, and injures or kills animals when they are entrapped in or ingest the material.  Further,  the microplastic contaminates the food chain,  may ultimately enter the bodies of