Whether you're throwing away a plastic bag or not, there are certain ways to dispose of them properly. If you're recycling them, make sure they're biodegradable. If you're throwing them away, don't bundle them up with your recyclables or place them in your kerbside collection. Instead, dispose of them at a landfill or composting facility.
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Compostable plastics
Depending on the product, you may find that there is no need to recycle biodegradable bags. This is because they will persist in the environment, without the proper treatment. However, you should read the product label before purchasing and dispose of them appropriately.
Some biodegradable plastics are designed to break down in the industrial composting facilities. However, you should not compost them at home. They may contaminate other recyclable materials.
These plastics are made from a variety of materials, including corn starch, petro-chemicals, and derivatives of natural materials. These plastics will only break down in environments with high levels of oxygen and moisture. You can also bury them in a compost bin. But, you should not dispose of them in your regular trash or blue bin.
The EPA has defined biodegradable as anything that breaks down within one year. Some products, however, may not be verified to be compostable. The Federal Trade Commission has issued guidelines on the use of biodegradable products. These guidelines can be found in the "Truth in Advertising" section of the FTC Green Guides.
Oxo-biodegradable plastics
Thousands of tons of plastic waste are being released into the environment every day. This plastic waste is contributing to pollution of land and marine ecosystems.
Oxo-biodegradable plastic is a kind of plastic that decomposes quickly. Its speed depends on the environment, sunlight and the presence of microorganisms. The plastic breaks down into small fragments called microplastics. Some microplastics may be toxic to wildlife.
Oxo-biodegradables can be used for a wide range of applications. They can be used in hot or cold conditions. These plastics can be discarded in general waste bins or buried in compost bins. They are not recommended for use in worm farms. They can be recycled.
Oxo-biodegradables contain up to 70% oil-based material. This oil-based material can be contaminated with traces of heavy metals. The oil-based material may be toxic to marine life. The oil-based material may also generate methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. It may also make soils more acidic.
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Do not bundle recyclables inside a plastic bag
Using a biodegradable bag may sound like a great way to reduce your environmental footprint, but it could backfire if you don't do it right. It is important to follow all the directions of the bag and properly dispose of any reusable items before tossing it in the trash.
A biodegradable bag may also be a waste of your hard-earned money. They don't last very long. If you must use one, go for a sturdy bag. You can buy biodegradable bags at most hardware stores and many grocery stores.
If you do decide to use one, make sure it isn't filled to the brim with recyclables. You should also place a biodegradable bag on your curbside on the normal yard waste collection day.
To save on paper, try using cloth produce biodegradable t-shirt bags instead of plastic fabrics. It may sound like a small thing, but a few extra plastic bags a week can save your family hundreds of dollars in landfill fees.
Do not place in kerbside recycling collections
Whether you live in the city or suburbs, do not place biodegradable rubbish bags in your kerbside recycling collection. The bags are not accepted for recycling and can cause problems with the sorting mechanism. They can also get tangled up in the equipment at the curbside recycling facility.
Curbside recycling is mandatory by state law. Residents must place recyclables within three feet of the curb in the county issued recycle carts. Items not accepted include plastic bags, rigid plastics (including bottles and jugs), and flexible plastics.
To recycle, items should be properly broken down. This includes paper, cardboard, and plastic film. These items must be placed in County issued recycle carts or a recycling container. Cardboard bundles must be less than 50 pounds and must be tied together.
Items such as electronics, propane tanks, and brush should not be placed in the kerbside recycling collection. These items must be taken to a DPW Citizens' Convenience Drop-Off Center for disposal.
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