PLASTIC BEACH RECYCLING GUIDELINES
What is soft plastic?
“Soft plastic” refers to HDPE #2 (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE #4 (Low-Density Polyethylene), two of the most commonly used plastics worldwide. They are found in packaging, containers, and household items, but are not accepted in most curbside bins or single-stream programs because they can get caught in the machines that sort other valuable recyclables like paper, cans, and bottles. Plastic Beach takes HD/LDPE items and works with downstream partners to recycle them separately.
How to recycle
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Identify and Separate
Check for these recycling symbols on the product.
Don't see a symbol? Check the tests here.
Clean and Prepare
Rinse out items that contain food residue. Make sure the item is dry before recycling. Remove labels, tags, and all non-plastic components.
Recycle with Plastic Beach
Recycle in a Plastic Beach provided bin. Do NOT place in blue recycling bin.
What we accept
Trash Bags
Stretch Film/Pallet Wrap
Grocery Bags
Bubble wrap
Bread bag
Food Storage Bags
Case Wrap
Plastic Shipping Bags
Air Pillow
Dry Cleaning Bags
PLUS
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Produce and ice bags
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Cereal liners
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Magazine wrappers
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Multi-pack wrap
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Wood pellet bags
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Cereal liners
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Plastics labeled #2 or #4 (LDPE/PE)
All plastic must be clean, dry, and free of food residue.
What we don't accept
Food and Snack Packaging:
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Frozen food bags
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Chip bags
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Candy bar wrappers
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Pre-washed salad mix bags
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Meat packaging
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Pet food bags
Non-Recyclable or Problem Materials:
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Biodegradable/compostable bags
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Net or mesh fruit and produce bags
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Six-pack rings
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Pool covers
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Backyard ice rinks
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Shiny or crinkly films (like floral wraps)​
Don't see any of the following recycling symbols?
1. Thumb/Stretch Test
Does the package stretch when you pull it?​
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If yes, it can be included.
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If it tears like paper, please don't recycle it in the bin.
2. Crumple Test
Is the package shiny or does it make a crinkly/crunchy sound in your hand?​
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If yes, please don’t recycle it in the bin.
Does it stretch?
INCLUDE
No stretch?
Does it tear?
DO NOT INCLUDE
