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Plastic Shopping Bags

Plastic Shopping Bags
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Did You Know?

Rethink Recycling estimates that over 500,000 pounds of plastic shopping bags can be recycled each year in the metro area. Recycling your shopping bags keeps this material out of the trash, creates jobs and turns it into plastic lumber.

Reduction Tips

  • Only take a bag if you need it. If you have one or two small items, consider carrying them out instead.
  • Bring a cloth bag with you to the store. Ask the cashier if they offer a discount if you bring your own bag. Many stores do.

Reuse Tips

  • Reuse plastic bags. Wash them if necessary.
  • Some thrift stores will accept plastic and paper bags to use for their customers. Please check with the store prior to donating your bags.

Recycling & Disposal Information

Many recycling service providers DO NOT accept plastic bags in curbside recycling programs, but as local recycling markets develop, some providers are beginning to accept plastic bags (from retailers). Check with your recycling service provider for details. 

Many grocery stores and co-ops participate in the It's in the Bag program. Consumers may deposit clean, dry plastic bags in specially designed collection bins found at participating retail locations. Visit www.itsinthebagmn.org for a complete list of drop-off locations.

Several retailers not part of It's in the Bag also have customer drop off areas for plastic bags, including Cub Foods, Lund's/Byerly's and Target.

Do Recycle

Note: All material must be clean and dry
  • Plastic grocery bags
  • Plastic retail bags (remove string ties and rigid plastic handles)
  • Plastic dry-cleaning bags
  • Plastic cereal bags (must be dry with ALL food residue removed)
  • Plastic bread bags (must be dry with ALL rood residue removed)
  • Plastic produce bags (must be dry with ALL food residue removed)
  • Plastic frozen food bags (must be dry with ALL food residue removed)
  • Plastic wrap from paper products (paper towels, etc.)
  • Plastic salt bags (remove rigid plastic handles)
  • Plastic zipper bags (remove top closing mechanism)
  • Plastic stretch/shrink wrap
  • 6-pack holder rings

Don't Recycle

  • Plastic bags with food residue
  • Plastic bags with strings
  • Plastic soil or mulch bags
  • Plastic zipper bags with rigid plastic closing mechanism
  • Plastic bubble wrap
  • Plastic food containers
  • Plastic bottles (See our Cans & Bottles page for information on recycling plastic bottles and jugs.)