Welcome to today’s Residential Recycling & Disposal Info for Newcomers!
The first mass-produced plastic was invented in 1907. Since the 1960s, we largely depend on plastic in our daily life to the point that we are drowning in it. Nowadays, people are encouraged to use compostable paper bags or reusable cloth bags in place of single-use plastic bags. Every single one of us can make a difference in addressing the world’s plastic pollution crisis.
But sometimes, let’s admit, it’s hard to avoid plastic, so in today’s article, let’s learn how to properly recycle or dispose of plastic bags..
Stretch the plastic bag to see if you can make it longer/wider without tearing it.
- If they are stretchy and clean, bundle them up and recycle them in your blue cart or community recycling depot.
- If they are NOT stretchy, place them in your black cart as garbage. Rigid and crinkly plastic bags go to your black cart too.
- If you’re not sure, place safe and put them in your black cart as garbage.
| Recyclable plastic bags include: | Non-stretchy bags include: |
| Grocery bags Shopping bags Clothing/garment bags Bread bags Frozen vegetable bags Resealable bags Plastic wrap Plastic packaging on household items such as toilet paper and paper towels Bubble wrap, etc. | Cereal and cracker box liners Grape bags, cherry bags Prewashed spinach bags, salad kits bags Cheese string wrappers Food pouch bags Food seals (e.g. plastic cover on top of a microwave dinner) Container seals (e.g. plastic safety seal on unopened mouthwash bottle) Woven plastic bags rice, onions etc. Mesh fruit and vegetable bags, etc. |
Word of the Day:
Crinkly: full of wrinkles
Learn about different carts here:
The City of Calgary has a residential recycling and disposal search tool. Check out the “What Goes Where” list here: https://www.calgary.ca/uep/wrs/what-goes-where/a-to-z-listing.html#P
