A few years ago Oregon passed a single use bag ban, in an attempt to reduce plastic waste across the state. As a response, grocery stores started offering extra-thick plastic bags, designed to be reusable. They cost $.05 each to the shopper, and are rated for 25 uses. Since I upcycle many plastic bags, people often ask me if I can use these, and what's going on with them.
Question: Are these extra thick bags getting reused?
Answer: No, neither the state nor any other agency is reusing them. Individuals can reuse them, or return them to the grocery store for “recycling,” but there is no organized effort to clean and reuse these bags. Ask yourself, have you ever received a used bag at checkout? No, they are all brand new.
Q: Are they recyclable?
A: Not in curbside pickup. You can drop them off at most grocery stores in the “plastic film recycling” bins, typically in the entrance to the store. From here, they get shipped to a sorting facility, then shipped to a company like Trex, which melts them into plastic lumber boards for outdoor construction uses, like porches and playground equipment. Yes, this is better than going to the landfill, but it uses a lot of energy and there is some pollution from the melting process.
Q: Does RAD take these bags?
A: No. They are too thick to easily make into yarn/plarn. Also we feel that the state should be dealing with them in a more responsible way.
Q: What can I do?
A: The best thing is to not use them at all. Bring reusable cloth bags to the grocery store, and other stores, for your shopping. Tips:
You can usually get reusable bags for free, either from environmental institutions (like The Environmental Center in Bend, OR) or thrift stores.
Keep some in your car, and some in your house by your keys/coats. With a little practice you will habitualize your use of cloth bags and reduce your plastic waste.
Cloth bags can be cleaned in your laundry machine.
Q: What if I forget my reusable bags?
A: When you walk into the grocery store and remember your forgot, check the plastic film return bins! There are almost always extra thick grocery bags in there, and you can take them out and use them. It's a great way to reuse what's already in circulation, and it can save you a few cents too!
Pro-tip: They are typically clean, but the ones that are carefully sorted and folded are nearly always totally clean. Thank your OCD neighbors for this! And no, it's not against the rules, you won't get in trouble, and personally I've never been spoken to by store employees about taking bags out of the bins. Just don't make a mess!
Q: What do I do with the extra thick bags I have? For instance, if I get food delivered, it will come in those bags.
A: Aside from returning them, you can also use them as small trash bags at home. They are perfect for small trash bins in your bedroom, bathroom, or office. This gets a good second use from them before entering the landfill.
Q: Should the state reverse the ban or allow exceptions to return to thin “single use” bags?
A: That's above my responsibility, but it's worth considering. On the plus side, it would be less plastic being used and wasted. On the negative side, people tend to double bag those anyway. The real solution is to not use plastic bags at all for checking out. Use reusable cloth bags!
Q: Could these bags somehow be reused in a practical way?
A: In theory, the government could collect these bags, wash them, dry them, and redistribute them to grocery stores. However, I don't see this happening anytime soon within the reality of our governmental situation.
I do believe the rules around these extra thick bags were created in good faith, but currently the system is not functioning at all. So, the best thing an eco-responsible consumer can do is to not use them, and develop habits with reusable cloth bags. I have been doing this for years and it is actually very easy to do, and it feels nice to have my reliable cloth bags, some insulated, some with zippers, and in an array of colors to match my different outfits.
The small changes we make today, like switching to cloth bags, can have a huge impact on our environment and set an example for future generations. Join me in making a difference by skipping these extra-thick bags and sharing your experiences with friends and family. Together, we can encourage others to adopt more sustainable habits.
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