Why Can’t We Accept Thin Plastics?
We have made countless posts informing recyclers that plastic bags and bagged recyclables are NOT recyclable, but we were recently asked, "WHY?" This is a great question, as some specialized MRF's do accept thin plastics or even require recyclables to be bagged, unlike the WWRA. Let's explore the logistics of expanding our accepted materials to include thin plastics, and why we have not done so already!
As a reminder, bags are not accepted at the WWRA. This includes
- Thin plastic grocery bags, frozen food bags, bubble wrap, snack bags, and microwave food covers
- Metal lined bags (chip bags or insulated bags)
- ANY textiles, clothing, or accessories
- Bagged recyclables; all recyclables must be loose in drop off bins or curbside containers
Some specialized Materials Recovery Facilities have equipment built in to accept thin plastic bags and bagged recyclables. As the WWRA opened in the 1990's as a Source Separated facility (as opposed to commingled, as we are now), we do not have any of this equipment to accept plastic bags.
We would need several new pieces of equipment, including bag openers and Compressed Air Sorters, which range from $20,000-$1,000,000+ to purchase. If the WWRA were able to receive grant, tax, or millage funding for this equipment, the WWRA's current facility could not retrofit it into our system. We would need to make several changes, expansions, and upgrades to handle this added material and equipment.
After the cost of the numerous equipment upgrades and renovating the facility to be able to add them in, the next consideration is film plastic's end market. After the WWRA collects, sorts, and bales recyclables, they are sold to recycling mills to be made into new materials. Thin plastics are generally a low quality commodity and are priced between $0.001-$0.93/lb.
The WWRA reevaluates our accepted materials periodically. We are watching for changes in these considerations to see if we can accept different materials in the future. For now, we recommend bringing thin plastics to
Chelsea:
- Chelsea High School’s Independence Hall
- Chelsea District Library
- Polly’s Country Market
Dexter:
- Dexter Township Hall’s orange thin plastic bin (NOT WWRA bins)
Ann Arbor:
- Meijer, Kroger, Walmart, or Target
- A2 Recycles Drop off locations found at recycleannarbor.org