Frequently Asked Questions

Are plastic bags recyclable?

Yes – Plastic bags are 100% reusable and recyclable.

How many times does a ‘reusable’ bag need to be reused to have a lower impact on the environment than a conventional plastic bag?

According to Recyc-Quebec, a Canadian government agency:
Cotton or canvas bags need to be reused between 100 and 2,954 times.
Reusable woven polypropylene bags need to be reused between 16 to 98 times.
Reusable non-woven polypropylene bags need to be reused 11 to 59 times.

According to the UK Environment Agency:
Paper bags need to be reused 3 times.
Reusable non-woven polypropylene bags need to be reused 11 times.
Cotton or canvas bags need to be reused 131 times.

According to the Denmark Environmental Protection Agency:
Paper bags need to be reused 43 times.
Reusable non-woven polypropylene bags need to be reused 52 times.
Reusable woven polypropylene bags need to be reused 45 times.
Conventional cotton bags need to be reused 7,100 times.
Organic cotton bags need to be reused 20,000 times.

How many people are supported by the plastic bag manufacturing and recycling industry?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 35,000 people.

Do plastic bag bans and taxes work?

No – multiple cities across the country have discovered that plastic bag bans create problems rather than solve them. When consumers are forced to use replacement bags – which are often made of thicker, heavier plastic – that contributes more to waste than the typical plastic grocery bag.

Do plastic bag bans and taxes hurt business?

Yes – especially small businesses. Bans can increase costs, making it hard for businesses to comply.

What happens with my recycled plastic bags?

Your plastic bags may get a new life as eco-friendly raw material for playgrounds, construction materials and new plastic bags.

Aren’t plastic bags single-use?

No – plastic bags are reused by Americans every day. Plastic bags are also 100% recyclable.