How to Recycle Plastic Bags: 10 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

You no longer know where to store plastic bags from the supermarket? Here are some ideas for recycling them.

Steps

Step 1. Reuse them for their original purpose:

take them with you when you go shopping and don't take new ones.

• Return them to the store for recycling.

  

• Don't accept new ones until you finish them. In any case, remember that some plastic bags prevent problems such as leaking liquids from foods such as meat, so use common sense when it comes to minimizing their use.

  

Step 2. Use them for garbage in the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and your office

Also keep a few where you do your laundry, so you can keep the contents of your pockets in them. You could also use several to separate the clothes to be washed.

• Empty the contents of the vacuum cleaner into the bags and then close them with a knot to prevent spills.

  

Step 3. Use them to store easily perishable foods before placing them in the freezer

This will come in handy especially in the summer

Step 4. Keep some envelopes in the car to encourage you to keep them tidy

Throw the full ones in the trash and then replace them, or recycle them as long as you can.

Step 5. Do you have pets?

Here are some tips on how to use them:

• Throw away the contents of the litter box or the excrement left in the garden in a bag. Bring one with you even when you go for a walk with your dog.

  

  

• Donate a few bags to animal shelters - they'll need them when they walk the dogs. But first ask if your donation will be appreciated.

  

Step 6. Give the envelopes to charity or give them to the library or market vendors

Also in this case you should ask if your gesture will generate benefits: some bags may not be accepted for fear of pollution or their smell.

Step 7. Use them to wrap items you will send in the mail or to store things in the closet and pantries

Step 8. Use them to store food, tools and utensils:

• You can use them to bring lunch to the office.

  

• Put them inside your shoes to maintain shape, especially when air drying.

  

• Use them to dispose of the rubbish found in your children's bedrooms.

  

• Line a broken pot with a plastic bag to prevent leakage.

  

• Use them to separately store the gloves, hats and scarves you keep near the door.

  

• You can fill them with ice for the freezer.

  

• Store the bath toys in a plastic bag and then puncture it so they dry without mold.

  

• Use them to fill items that need volume, such as valances, soft toys, pillows, exhibits, etc.

  

• If you sell something, use it to give it to your customers.

  

Step 9. A pinch of creativity:

• Cut various bags into strips and “knit” them to make a more resistant and reusable shopping bag. The strips of the plastic bags are characterized by their flexibility and the knitting will make them even stronger. They are also durable and waterproof.
• Knit other items from the plastic bags, such as dog collars, necklaces, belts, etc.
• Make a plastic wreath.
• Make works of art.

• Of course, you won't allow your younger children to play with plastic bags (they might suffocate them), but these simple items can be a source of entertainment:

  • If you want to test your juggling skills, grab three plastic bags, crumple them to make balls (using the handles) and show everyone what you can do! Avoid this activity on windy days, or you may miss them.

    

  • Turn them into water-filled balloons and have fun with your family or friends making them pop during the hottest days. Don't overfill them, especially if they're large.

    

  • If you paint on the table, use them to protect it and then throw them away when you're done.

    

  • Cut them to make festoons, especially if they are of various colors, unless you are throwing a party whose theme is snow. For long swags, cut the open part on both sides, not the hanging line at the base of the envelope.

    

  Step 10. They are also ideal for traveling:

  • They will allow you to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.

    

    

  • They can be great shower caps.

    

  • They will act as trash when you don't find bins.

    

  • They will be used to store your shoes and to cover them in case it rains heavily.

    

  • They are practical for wrapping souvenirs.

    

  Advice

  • Many large supermarkets have containers for recycling plastic bags. Carrying folding chairs is an excellent way to pack them before recycling.
  • When you have finished all your plastic bags, or almost, use the canvas ones for shopping: they are resistant and ecological. Plus, as the larger chain stores pay for envelopes, you can save money.

  • Keep the plastic bags in a safe place so they won't pose a potential danger to your children or pets. Some idea:

    • Use a special tube. You can find it in a home improvement store or IKEA.
    • Put them in an empty container.
    • Store all bags in a larger one and hang it in the garage, pantry, under the kitchen sink, or in the laundry room. Or, keep them all piled up in a drawer.
    • If you want to keep them in a clear container, opt for a glass jar, but fold them first.
  • Here is the "triangle method" to fold envelopes so they do not clutter. Spread one out horizontally on a table. Fold it in half twice. Make a triangle on the bottom and fold it over on itself. Continue to the end of the envelope. Put the end flap in the top opening.

  Warnings

  • Make sure there are no holes in them before using them again. If you find one like this, use it inside a larger one for double resistance, or if it's too broken, recycle it.
  • Do not reuse fragile ones.
  • Avoid children playing with it.
  • Do not reuse plastic bags used to transport meat. They may contain harmful bacteria.