Editor:

Although they don’t belong in curbside recycling, plastic bags are easily recyclable via the store takeback program at local retailers.

For years, the American companies that manufacture plastic bags — that’s right, most are made here — have worked with their retail partners to promote and expand this convenient program.

That’s why America’s plastic bag recyclers are proud to announce the launch of a new and convenient database that makes it easy for consumers to find drop-off locations and recycle properly in their communities.

In fact, over 90 percent of American consumers live within a short distance of these locations, including Albertsons, Smith’s and Target.

For more information on how to find a drop-off location near you, please visit bagandfilmrecycling.org.

The program also offers a good home for the air pillows or stretchy pouches that come with online orders, dry-cleaning wrap and the stretchy plastic surrounding toilet paper and similar home goods.

Returning these products to the store is a great way to ensure bags and other stretchy plastic films can be recovered, recycled and re-manufactured into new bags, composite lumber, railroad ties and other materials.

In the process, consumers can help minimize their footprint and support American jobs.

In the end, we agree — everything that can be recycled should be, as long as you do it right!

Zachary Taylor
Director of the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance