UPDATE: below is a response from the plastics industry recycling technical consultant:
I had to do a little checking with recyclers and salt bags are acceptable as long as there isn’t a lot of salt residue.It seems that the UVI is insignificant enough to not cause problems with recycling, just the salt is the problem so cutting the ends and shaking well will be appreciated.I do think it does depend on the bag/product, i.e bags like those used for collecting maple sap have more UVI since they are outside for extended periods of time.
As for the cheese packages [INCLUDING BLOCK CHEESE PACKING], we have generally not deemed direct food contact films for things like cheese and meat recyclable. It’s the same for frozen food and salad mix bags.It’s mostly the oxygen and moisture barriers, but it’s also the residue of the foods, too.The same would be true of something like a tuna pouch or dry dog food if the bags were actually PE.Thickness generally isn’t a problem for the recycler- it’s just more plastic for them.
Yes, I mean block and shredded too. Basically anything that needs to be shelf stable for periods of time in the freezer or fridge like has a chemical or physical barrier layer in the film (think the shiny foil that you see on the inside of chip bags). https://stlcityrecycles.com/take-recycling-to-the-next-level-precycle/
I could talk about this all day so happy to find someone who is looking for the details behind the curtain.
http://plasticfilmrecycling.org
So my first paycheck job in 1987 was also when plastic bags were first introduced into our grocer. I was scolded for asking people if they still wanted a paper bag! haha. After hearing Beatles Muzak and other torture experiences - I was done with my summer job... And now the same city, after I helped elec a Green Party city council person - is now trying to ban plastic bags or enforce a fee on them...
Assessment POLYETHYLENE RECYCLING PROGRAMS Closing the loop: diverting polyethylene film waste from landfills and oceans, Trex is one of the largest buyers of recycled polyethylene film (such as polyethylene film bags, wraps and packaging) in North America.
Since plastic bags are EVERYWHERE now - the question is how to recycle them? By "flim" they mean aka "flimsy" plastic as wrap or bags... A US company Trex turns plastic bags into Decking boards - but it has to be Number 4 plastic.
The good news about plastic bags from frozen foods is that those bags are usually made from readily recyclable plastic film, either polypropylene (PP #5), high density polyethylene (HDPE #2) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET #1).
So that's why "frozen food" bags should not be recycled - nope it's not "good news." haha.
Avoid fresh meat, fruit or vegetables wrapped in cling wrap. Most cling wrap sold for domestic use is now made from low density polyethylene (4), which seems to be safe, but supermarkets and many independent butchers and greengrocers are still wrapping meat and fresh vegetables in cling wrap made from PVC.
The WRAP campaign is a coalition of local stores and domestic plastic companies that's going "Beyond Bags" by collecting all clean and dry plastic films—such as bubble wraps and air pillows, package shrink wraps, newspaper/bread/produce bags, zip-lock bags, and, yes—all of those plastic grocery bags. However the following are NOT recyclable: degradable/compostable bags or film packaging, pre-washed salad mix bags, frozen food bags, candy bar wrappers, chip bags or six-pack rings. These items should go in the trash or to specialized recycling programs.
Shrink and cling wrap is #3 plastic - PVC from PEC - or it used to be...
, frozen veggie bags are not accepted. That’s because the plastic in these bags typically contain additives or layers of other materials to protect the food. The additives or layers are contaminants in the plastic film recycling process and can ruin a whole batch of recycled material, so make sure to keep them out of the drop-off box.
Well no - actually it's because it's Number 5 plastic - see above.
#4 LDPE - low density polyethylene
https://www.polypak.com/salt-
bags-must-uvi-protection/
UVI stands for ultra-violet inhibitor. It is an additive that is commonly used to protect many different materials from the harmful rays of the sun, by delaying the oxidation process and therefore the deterioration of the film. It is most commonly used with polyethylene products as it is highly effective when combined with these.
Ultra-violet inhibitors are added to the plastic resin during the extruding process of the plastic.
So I was told today that our Salt Bags were "too thick" to be recycled!!!! But I checked and they are Number 4 plastic. So I sent a question off about the UVI - on salt bags - does it "contaminate" the recycling or not? I don't think so since Morton switched to Number 4 precisely so they COULD be recycled. But I wait for an answer.
Most plastic wrap can’t be recycled, and neither can pre-packaged food bags (like frozen food bags and the bags that pre-washed salad comes in) because they are also contaminated, according to the EPA.
Phthalates are or have been used in food packaging,.... DEHP is also currently used ... food packaging.
Though the risk is low, there's growing evidence that food can be contaminated by harmful chemicals from some types of plastic. Many foods are packaged in these risky plastics – including fresh meat, gourmet cheese, and even some health foods and organic vegetables.
Follow the "Rule of Thumb"—if you can stretch a hole through the plastic with your thumb, it's probably recyclable through the store WRAP programs at Safeway, Albertsons and Fred Meyers. If not, it's trash.
Pre-washed salads come in plastic bags that look similar to recyclable polyethylene bags. They are typically labeled with a #5 PP symbol.
Plastic number 5 or PP plastic (polypropylene) is the second-most widely produced plastic. Being light, heat resistant and sturdy, PP is applied to various packaging. Today plastic 5 is commonly used in: Yogurt containers. Liner in cereals boxes.
Most drop-off bag collections accept polyethylene film. This includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE or #2 plastic) and low-density polyethylene (#4 plastic or LDPE). It's great if your bags have markings on them, but since most do not, it's good to know some general guidelines.
- Criteria: both ends must be completely cut off, then the bag must be turned inside out to release residual dust; OR both ends must be completely cut off and the bag must be completely cut down one side to make an open plastic sheet
So many things we use (like salt for our water softener) come in bags that are a #4 plastic and our city does not take it. But there is sits with it nice little recycling symbol making me think it should be recycled and that I am bad for throwing it in the garbage.
Among the first Morton products to be labeled are Morton® Pool Salt bags, which are recyclable at Store Drop-Off along with other plastic grocery bags, paper towel plastic wrap, and dry cleaning bags, among other plastic items.
Bags that CAN be recycled at city drop-off sites:
- Any labeled with a #2 or #4 symbol
- Bread bags
- Drug store bags
- Dry cleaning bags
- Grocery bags
- Heavy plastic wrapping from beverage cases and retail boxes
- Ice bags
- Newspaper bags
- Packing pillows bags
- Retail bags
- Water softener salt bags
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