Recycling Mistake #1: Soft Plastics

The What

Soft plastics, which is a broad term for a variety of packaging materials, are not accepted in the campus standard mixed recycling. Some common soft plastic materials are candy wrappers, chip bags, cereal box liners, storage bags (Ziploc), shopping/grocery bags, bubble wrap, bread bags, shrink wrap and cling films (Saran Wrap).

The Why

Due to their flexible/soft properties and the complexity of mixed-stream recycling sorting, soft plastics can get caught in the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) sorting equipment, which can lead to costly shutdowns and creates risks for workers.

The University's recycling is processed by third-party MRFs. The recycling capabilities of each MRF determines what materials they can accept. Beyond the capabilities of the MRF, local, regional and global material markets determine the demand for certain recyclable materials and what the MRFs will accept for processing. Due to these issues issues, the MRFs processing the University’s recycling materials does not currently accept soft plastics.

What Can You Do?

• Bring your own reusable bag when you shop as an alternative to plastic grocery bags.

• Use wax-based wraps and reusable, sealable containers instead of storage bags or cling film for food items.

• If possible, purchase products with no or reduced soft plastic packaging.

• Take soft plastics to local businesses, such as grocery stores, where they have collection bins for some of these materials to be properly recycled.