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 passed legislation in 2012 requiring retail establishments to charge customers for carryout bags. For more information, visit reusable bags and the Montgomery County carryout bag law.
To reduce plastic bag consumption – always remember to bring your reusable bag when shopping.
As an added benefit, you can save $.05 per bag in Montgomery County every time you shop. However, if you choose to purchase a plastic bag when shopping, those funds are provided to the Department of Environmental Protection for programs that help improve and protect the water quality of the streams and rivers in the County. 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.
Acceptable Items (not inclusive)
All plastic must be clean, dry, and free of food residue.
- Air pillows
- Bread bags
- Bubble wrap
- Case overwrap
- Dry cleaning bags
- Electronic wrap
- Grocery bags
- Newspaper sleeves
- Pallet wrap and stretch film
- Plastic shipping envelopes
- Produce bags
- Product wrap
- Retail bags
- Ziploc and other resealable food storage bags
These items are not acceptable
- Backyard ice rinks
- Bedding or linen packaging
- Candy bar wrappers
- Chip bags
- Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
- Frozen food bags
- Hot dog or meat wrap packaging
- Lamination film
- Net or mesh produce bags
- Pet food bags
- Pool covers
- PPE – gloves, masks, or protective wear
- Pre-washed salad mix bags
- Shiny, crinkly films like floral wrap
- Silage and hay bags
- Six-pack rings
- Vinyl shower curtains or tablecloths
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.
