Report Says Plastic Bag Recycling at All-Time High

Approximately 832.4 million pounds of post-consumer film, which includes plastic bags and product wrapping, were recycled in 2008, according to a new report. That figure is an all-time high, according to the “2008 National Postconsumer Recycled Plastic Bag and Film Report,” which was compiled by Sonoma, Calif.-based Moore Recycling Associates.

The total also represents a 28 percent increase from 2005. “The boost in recycling was driven by greater consumer access to collection programs, primarily at large grocery and retail stores, as well as by new markets for these recycled materials,” says a press release summarizing the report.

“More Americans are recycling plastic bags and film than ever before, driven by a growing recognition that plastic is a valuable resource — too valuable to waste,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council, in the press release. “Recovered plastic bags and wraps can be recycled into many useful products, including durable backyard decking, fencing, railings, shopping carts and, of course, new bags. Increased recycling of bags and film is good for the environment and good for the economy.”

To read the full report, click here, and scroll to the bottom of the page.