Recycling & Reusing Plastic Bags
It's All in the Bag
Plastic bags are harmful to our environment in a number of ways.
- They are made from a non-renewable resource
- Production and disposal of bags create greenhouse gases and use energy
- Many plastic bags end up in Hartland Landfill instead of being recycled
- Plastic bags break down slowly and remain in the environment for a long time
- Littered plastic bags can hurt and kill wildlife and end up in storm drains or waterways
- Plastic bags add costs, from grocery bills to municipal waste and litter management programs
- Plastic bags are the ultimate symbol of consumerism
Take the Plastic Bag Pledge!
The CRD is committed to the reduction of plastic bag use in the region. Take the pledge to avoid using plastic bags and receive a free reusable tote!
Plastic Bag Facts
All CRD Solid Waste education programs promote the 4Rs of refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle. The hierarchy applies to plastic bags as follows: refuse & reduce by utilizing reusable bags, reuse plastic bags as often as possible and recycle excess bags.
Refuse & Reduce
- Take along cloth bags when heading out shopping (to the mall too!)
- store your reusable bags in your car or backpack
- make a reminder sticky for yourself (place on fridge or dash of car)
- hang cloth bags on your front door handle to remind you to bring them along
Reuse
- Reuse any plastic bags you accumulate
- next time you shop, use your bag for items from more than one store
- to line your garbage can
- to pick up pet litter
- as a receptacle for cooled fats, oils and grease from cooking
Recycle
- Recycle clean, dry and empty excess bags
- take back to grocery stores for recycling
- take shopping bags and your film plastic to a recycling depot
© Top image courtesy of Minette Layne