Reduce the Use of Plastic Bags
Single use plastic bags can impact streams, rivers, lakes, oceans and forests and the wildlife that inhabit them. Currently there are 15 states, including the District of Columbia, that have adopted plastic bag legislation. Montgomery County’s Bring Your Own Bag Law establishes requirements for the use of plastic and paper carryout bags in Montgomery County and took effect on January 1, 2026. The law includes a 10-cent tax for paper carryout bags and prohibits the use of plastic carryout bags.
To reduce bag consumption – always remember to bring your reusable bag when shopping.
As an added benefit, you can save $.10 per paper bag in Montgomery County every time you shop. However, if you choose to purchase a paper bag when shopping, the retailer keeps $.05, and $.05 is provided to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Water Quality Protection Charge. For more information on these programs, visit Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) and Watershed Restoration.
Reuse Plastic Bags
If you have plastic bags, please use and reuse them to the maximum extent possible. Next step, recycle.
Plastic Bags and film are now recyclable at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
Plastic bags and film received for recycling are utilized in the manufacture of decking, outdoor furniture, playgrounds, landscaping blocks and borders, and corrugated pipe — among other eco-friendly and long-lasting products.
Plastic Film with #2 or #4 Recycling Symbol
Acceptable Items for Plastic Film Recycling (not inclusive)
All items must be clean and dry.
- Air pillows
- Bread bags
- Bubble wrap
- Case overwrap (water bottle, drink cases, etc.)
- Cereal box liners
- Dry cleaning bags
- Electronic wrap
- Furniture wrap
- Grocery bags
- Ice bags
- Mattress bags
- Newspaper sleeves
- Pallet wrap and stretch film
- Plastic shipping envelopes
- Produce bags
- Product wrap (wrapping around paper towels, toilet paper, etc.)
- Retail bags
- Salt bags
- Wood pellet bags
- Yard signs ("flimsy" plastic film) with wire stands removed
These items are not acceptable for plastic film recycling
- Backyard kiddie pools or ice rinks
- Bedding or linen packaging
- Candy bar wrappers
- Chip bags
- Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
- Floral wrap
- Frozen food bags
- Hot dog or meat wrap packaging
- Inner tubes
- Lamination film
- Mulch/dirt/soil bags
- Net or mesh produce bags
- Pet food bags
- Pet waste bags
- Pool covers
- PPE – gloves, masks, or protective wear
- Pre-washed salad mix bags
- Resealable food storage bags
- Shiny, crinkly films like floral wrap
- Silage and hay bags
- Six-pack rings
- Snack bags
- Vinyl shower curtains or tablecloths
- Ziploc and other resealable food storage bags
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I recycle colored plastic bags and film?
- YES, the color does not affect the recycling process.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they are very shiny (like floral wrap) and make a loud crinkly sound when crumpled?
- NO, this plastic film is not recyclable.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film that tears like paper?
- NO, please do not include, as they are not currently accepted in the film/bag recycling bins.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they have a shiny metallic look, like chip bags or candy wrappers?
- NO, this plastic film is not recyclable.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they stretch when I pull them apart with both hands?
- YES, this is the correct type of plastic to recycle. If it doesn't stretch or it tears like paper, please throw it in the trash.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film with the NexTrex* label?
- YES, brands and retailers are using this label to let consumers know that the plastic film package is recyclable.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they are thicker, stiff plastics for linens and bedding (including anything with a real zipper)?
- NO, they are not the kind of plastic that recyclers can use in their processes.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they are labeled as both degradable and recyclable?
- NO, recyclers can't risk using degradable plastics in new items, so these items are not recyclable.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they have a paper label or tape stuck on?
- YES, but labels, tape, and adhesive strips should be removed if possible. You can simply cut off the label, as the bag's integrity isn't important to the recycler.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they contain other materials, are dirty, or are wet?
- NO, plastic film must be clean and dry, and the right type in order for it to be recycled. Please remove all other materials, such as tape, paper receipts, food residue and crumbs, and crinkly or rigid plastics (bottles and tubs). These contaminants can degrade the quality of the plastic and may prevent it from being recycled.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they are pet food bags?
- NO, this plastic is not recyclable.
- Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they are boat wrap?
- NO, because its intended use is to protect boats outside, which means it could contain barriers or be contaminated with moisture and debris that are problematic in the recycling process.
Other Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Drop-Offs
Recycle plastic bags and other types of plastic film at local grocery and retail stores throughout the County. Look for collection bins near store entrances.
Find bag and film recycling drop-offs near you using the locator on Earth911.
What plastic bags, films and wraps are accepted in store recycling programs?
Grocery and retail store plastic bag recycling drop-offs generally accept all clean, dry plastic bags, shrink wrap, and plastic film.
This includes plastic newspaper sleeves, bread bags, and dry-cleaning bags, as well as most plastic wrapping covering paper towel rolls, tissue boxes, and cases of water. Clean and dry plastic food storage bags, like Ziploc® bags are accepted too.
Remember to remove receipts and other papers from bags and separately recycle the paper.
Refer to Earth911 for a list of generally accepted plastic.
Are bubble wrap and air pillows included?
Bubble wrap and air pillows are also accepted for recycling at plastic bag and film drop-offs.
Reuse is even better than recycling! Some options include
- bringing it to a local packaging or mailbox store
- offering it on your neighborhood email list
- offering it on Craigslist, Freecycle, or similar places
Can plastic bags, film, and wrap go in my curbside recycling bin?
No, plastic bags are not acceptable in your weekly County-provided curbside recycling collection, so please do not put any plastic bags into your recycling bin.
