FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Recycling Soft Plastics
Can I put my plastic bags into my curbside recycling?
Unfortunately, no! EDCO, Republic and Waste Management all refuse curbside recycling of plastic wrap as it interferes with their conveyor belt sorting systems. This means plastic wrap goes to the landfill, whether in a blue bin or in the trash!
Can multi-layer films be recycled?
Lorem ipsum quis felis at adipiscing quis morbi duis nunc vulputate vulputate nunc cursus tortor eu ut suspendisse consectetur urna viverra ornare ipsum commodo sed mollis maecenas faucibus senectus quis.
Can plastic bags, bubble wrap, etc., all be recycled?
Yes, most plastic wraps/bags are made of polyethene (PE) and are very recyclable. These soft bags will have a ‘2’ or ‘4’ if marked.
Why do we need to recycle plastic wrap?
Plastic is highly recyclable, so we are basically throwing away raw materials that could be used to make and re-make plastic bags over and over. In our case, we forward the collected and baled plastic wrap to the US company TREX, who make decking planks from it!
Recycling Locations
Apart from Plastic Beach, where can I recycle plastic wrap?
A few stores, such as Walmart, Stater Brothers, Kohl's, etc., have small plastic wrap recycling bins, but these store-based collections are unsuitable for the van loads of plastic wrap we collect weekly!
Where does Plastic Beach operate?
We offer on-site pickups for businesses throughout San Diego County, from Oceanside to Chula Vista. Our drop-off program is available based on interest in specific geographic clusters. For example, drop-off is available at the Solana Center and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Additionally, we collaborate with businesses across Southern California, as well as extending our reach across the United States and abroad to help us spread awareness about the significance of plastic wrap recycling.
Where does Plastic Beach collect the plastic wrap/bags?
Most retailers see a lot of items pre-wrapped in plastic (bags, bubble wrap, air cushions, etc.) that will be removed before being placed on display. At present, this is almost always thrown in the trash, but we are already working with over 20 companies of all sizes to help provide a recycling solution that is easy for them to use. For example, some local businesses we support are Jimbo's, Cardiff Seaside Market, Hansen, and Surf Ride!
How can I help as a Business?
Our On-site Collection Programs are tailored to businesses and community partners looking to make a sustainable impact on the environment. We offer a convenient recycling solution by enrolling and collecting waste on-site, which we then transport to the proper facilities for recycling. Our personalized volume reports also provide businesses with valuable information on their environmental impact. Join our network of partners and let's work together to create a more sustainable future. You can become a Drop-Off site for our residential program — we have some partners already.
See our partners.
How can I help as an Advocate?
Spreading awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing plastic waste is crucial. We are always seeking sponsorships from businesses and legislative support from our governmental partners and city councils to help our mission.
Take action today.
How can I help as a Volunteer?
We rely on the support of our community to make a difference. You can help by donating to our cause, volunteering at our events, and spreading awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing plastic waste.
Donate today.
How can I help as a Consumer?
We are proud to partner with a number of local locations in San Diego to offer the Resident Drop-Off Program. This program provides a simple and easy way for people to responsibly dispose of your soft plastics, creating a sustainable option that protects our earth. By using a bag made from recycled materials, we are reducing our carbon footprint and keeping more plastics out of our oceans. It's easy, fun, and convenient for everyone to participate!
Sign up today.
How to Get Involved
Why Plastic Beach
Why would a business use Plastic Beach's services?
We aim to help engaged businesses reduce their landfill footprint, update them on how much plastic wrap they divert - for use in their marketing, and encourage peer respect and engagement.
Is there a profit in plastic bag recycling?
No. Plastic bags are reimbursed at approx. 14 cents per pound (when shipped as multiple 15 x 800 lb. bales!) – as in the USA, commercial recyclers are not interested in accepting this plastic wrap other than in 800 lb. baled bulk deliveries. This is the core reason Plastic Beach is alone in tackling this issue. To illustrate: 1 large cubic yard of uncompressed plastic wrap/bags comes in at around 15 lbs. Factoring in driving a collection route to pick up these light but large-sized collections from even local businesses, it is simply cost-prohibitive.
Is there a cost to these programs?
Yes, your donations and subscriptions help us cover our collection costs, maintain our 12-foot-tall industrial baler and transport vehicle, and cover other standard operating costs for a business. Of course, as a 501c3 non-profit, Plastic Beach is eligible for donations from people and businesses that want to help tackle this previously ignored problem.
Why the name Plastic Beach?
Our founder, Matthew Clough, has always been a big fan of the band Gorillaz and was inspired by their 2010 album of the same name.
What does Plastic Beach seek to achieve?
First, we aim to educate others that plastic wrap can and should be recycled and encourage them to use the few recycling facilities offered by Walmart and other corporations. Secondly, we are working hard to establish relationships with retail partners who would previously throw these bags in the trash and instead offer solutions to collect and divert them to commercial recyclers to accept these un-baled bags in bulk. By working with suppliers using plastic bags and the plastic bag industry itself, we can promote increased recycled materials in products and switch away from plastic where possible while lobbying our local governments to have our community trash and recycling services accept plastic wrap!