What happens to recycled plastic bags?
Plastic bags are recycled in a mixed plastics process to make garden stakes, garden furniture,
garden sleepers, flower pots and new plastic bags.
Should I use biodegradable plastic bags?
As on the market today, consumers are provided with variety of alternatives for plastic bags,
such as, 'degradable' and 'biodegradable' bags. Biodegradable plastic bags are often made from farmed
products like cornstarch, which, in the right conditions, will break down into elements like carbon dioxide,
water and methane. Biodegradable bags may contribute to methane emissions if sent to landfill and are
not suited for recycling. Other degradable plastic bags break down primarily through the reaction of a
chemical additive to oxygen, light or heat and are also known as 'oxodegradable' bags. If it is disposed to
landfill, it may be a threat to the wildlife because when degradable bags are decomposed into small pieces.
Animals may mistake it for food.
How can I reduce the harm plastic bags can cause?
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle plastic bags whenever possible. If you throw plastic bags away, tie them in a knot. This limits the chance it will be blown out of the bin and onto the landfills.
Why can't I recycle my biodegradable plastic bags?
Because even a small amount of biodegradable plastic introduced into the recycling system could cause large volumes of normal recycled plastic bags to become unstable, and since recycled plastics are used for many important things, such as pipe fittings and garbage bags this could be disasterous. Also, since there is a time delay for degradation, if biodegradable plastics found their way into these products their defects would probably not be found until used by the consumer.
What are plastic bags made from?
There are 2 types of plastic bags:
1. High density polyethylene (HDPE) - singlet bags which are predominantly used in supermarkets, fresh produce, take-away food and other non-branded applications.
2. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) - boutique style bag that are generally branded and used to carry higher value goods.
