Here’s How to Dispose of All Those Empty Bags (Free)
If you have small children, chances are you have several bags at home. While their hassle-free convenience, light weight and compactness make them a parent’s dream, knowing how to dispose of them responsibly isn’t all that dreaming.
Surprisingly, there are several environmental benefits to their existence. Due to their light weight and small size, they are relatively low carbon during transport (compared to traditional glass jars) and do not require refrigeration energy to keep them stable when stored in a store. But because their design is based on multiple materials such as plastic, multilayer films, aluminum and cardboard, major American recyclers lack systems to properly sort and clean containers. Alas, they go to the trash can.
Fortunately, there is a way to reduce their presence in landfills. Check out these alternatives to throw them away.
How to Dispose of Plastic Wringer Bags
New Jersey-based TerraCycle has been collecting non-recyclable waste and converting it into new products since 2001. Working with over 100 of the world’s largest brands (such as Nestlé, Staples, Bic and Brita), they have found a way to make recycling good for both the environment and the image of multi-billion dollar corporations.
Submit your empty bags (and many other things you didn’t consider recyclable, like Pringles bathtubs and toothbrushes) and they will grind, melt and grind the material into hard rice-sized granules that can be used in manufacturing. other plastic items such as benches and picnic tables.
While you don’t need to rinse the pouches, you don’t need to squeeze all the leftover contents out of before shipping. If you do decide to rinse them, make sure they are completely dry before shipping. When you’re ready, create an account, print a shipping label and mail it to any UPS location.
How many (and which brands) can I ship?
There is no minimum number of packages that TerraCycle can accept. However, if you send more than £ ten, you are eligible to earn points which, according to their website, can be redeemed for “charitable gifts, grocery kits, or a $ 0.01 payment per nonprofit point. or the school of your choice. ” (Sounds like a great project for a school or non-profit youth group. They even have the best practices and art for creating an effective local collection bin.)
And fear not, consumers of the HappyBaby, Gerber or Up & Up brands: while GoGo squeeZ seems to be the main brand, the FAQ on the TerraCycle website confirms, “You can collect any brand of waste for this free recycling program.” (They list “plastic bags and caps for healthy snacks” on their “accepted waste” flyers, and the promotional photo includes images of other brands.)
Plum Organics also has a squeeze bag lid recycling program that accepts lids from all manufacturers, not just their brands.
Or … just do it yourself
Of course, there is another option – to completely abandon disposable bags and go along the “do it yourself” route. Amazon sells reusable compression bags (with convenient front filling valves). Pour your favorite can of applesauce at Costco, or make some homemade yummy puree (with hidden vegetables, of course) and enjoy the magic of the flexible pouch without feeling guilty.