We all know the harmful effects of single-use plastic bags. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California, has 100,000 tonnes of plastic or roughly 1.8 trillion plastic pieces, making it the world’s largest plastic accumulation point. The efforts of organizations such as The Ocean Cleanup, to clean up and positively impact the environment are commendable, individuals like us, too, can bring small changes in our daily lives that can catapult to bigger environmental changes.
Reusable bags are one way to get started. Made of various materials, including natural & synthetic, these bags are used multiple times, thereby curbing the wastage and excess presence of single-use plastics.
Do you know how many plastic bags a reusable bag can replace? Studies have shown that a reusable bag can save over 500-1000 bags a year. Good quality reusable bags can be used for years even, especially with period wash & care.
Are Reusable Bags Recyclable?
Reusable Bags are made from from both natural materials and synthetic products. While natural materials include jute, hemp, bamboo, and cotton, synthetic materials include polypropylene (PP), recycled PET Bags, polyester, and nylon. These bags can be woven or non-woven, and natural reusable bags must be produced without the use of pesticides, recycled, or chemically treated.
Most reusable bags made of natural materials are biodegradable, provided they don’t have any plastic components in the make. For instance, a jute bag takes a few years to decompose. Cotton, canvas, or jute bags, and the likes usually have a sturdy build and last long, replacing umpteen plastic bags. You can add them to compost once they are worn out beyond repair or hand it over to agencies who can recycle them.
On the other hand, many bags made of synthetic materials including nylon and polypropylene are not biodegradable and must be recycled to reduce harmful effects on the planet. The good news is that many organizations take in reusable bags that can be recycled, and you need to supply these to them. For instance, ziploc bags can be recycled and used again. However, certain plastics, known as thermoset plastics, cannot be recycled and are extremely harmful to the environment.
Where Can I Give Reusable Bags To Recycle?
If you would like to find avenues to give reusable shopping bags or grocery bags for recycling, here are a few to get you started.
- Local Recycling Centers
- Retailer Take-Back Initiative
- Textile Recycling Programs
- Community Collection Events
- Reuse donation centres
- Online Recycling Directories & agencies
Things To Consider
- Before deciding to recycle your reusable bags, it is important to check if the bag is suitable for recycling. This information may be available by checking with the manufacturer or at the recycling center.
- It’s best to reuse the bags until they are completely worn out to have a positive impact truly. For instance, although biodegradable, cotton bags take up many resources during production. To offset this change, extensive use is required. If you can repurpose these bags, all the more better.
- If the bags are in good condition, instead of recycling, you can also consider upcycling and repurposing them into something new or donating them to near & dear ones or organizations such as charities and soup kitchens to make a difference.
What are Some Tips for Responsible Recycling?
- Identify if the material of the bag can be recycled. Some of them are biodegradable, while others are recyclable. Sort the bags accordingly.
- Wash the bags thoroughly before giving them for recycling. Remove any stains, food residue, or other contaminants.
- Always remove non-recyclable components from your bags, such as metal zippers, before sending them for recycling.
- Explore retailer take-back programs in your locality or city. Many brands accept used reusable bags either for upcycling or recycling. You can also browse through other agencies that specialize in recycling reusable bags and other household items.
- Spread awareness about the benefits of recycling and adhere to sorting household waste strictly.
- Avoid purchasing single-use plastic bags or items and invest in environmentally friendly options.
RediBagUSA: The Best Recycle Bag Manufacturer
Are you looking for a trusted manufacturer of reusable bags? We would love to meet your storage and packaging needs.
RediBagUSA is a leading manufacturer of bags headquartered in the US. With more than six decades of experience, RedibagUSA has many patents to its credit and can efficiently cater to all packaging needs of businesses of all sizes.
The reusable bags from RediBagUSA come in different configurations to meet your business needs. In various sizes, styles, colors and prints, these bags are available in non-woven, woven, and laminated.
RediBagUSA also manufactures reusable t-shirt bags in 2.25 and 4.00 mil offerings and is CalRecycle certified. These bags are produced using certified Post-Consumer Recycled Content of over 60%. The key benefits include the following:
- Multiple ways to carry
- Sturdy construction in 2.25 and 4.00 MIL
- Hand washable
- Can be sold retail
- Custom Artwork available
Along with reusable, sustainable bags, it also provides apparel bags, Jumbo Convertible Reusable Bags, can liners, cooler bags, and so much more. Our sandwich bags, snack bags, and produce bags are all made from safe, non-toxic materials.
Rely on the Experience
With a complete and diversified selection of products, RediBagUSA is the company you were searching for. We handle the production, distribution, and logistics capabilities to serve some of the world’s largest international supermarkets and quick-service restaurants.
Contact us for more information about our offer and how we can satisfy your every packaging need!