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The Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) has released two new online tools and an updated website designed to help grow the recycling of plastic wraps, bags, and other flexible polyethylene film packaging. These free tools provide resources to a wide range of audiences—including consumers, recycling coordinators, local and state governments, and businesses—about this material, collectively known as “film.” They aim to help these audiences learn more about what material can be recycled, how to properly recycle it, and how to grow plastic film recycling at a local level. Says the FFRG, more and better plastic film recycling can help improve the environment and support local recycling or waste diversion goals.
According to the FFRG, plastic film is one of the fastest growing areas of recycling, with collection increasing nearly 84% since just 2005. Plastic film can be recycled in the U.S. at more than 18,000 grocery and retail stores nationwide. Film typically cannot be collected curbside because it requires a separate collection stream from rigid plastics (e.g., bottles, cups, tubs, and other containers) and different processing equipment. Because many consumers are unclear about what film is recyclable and how to recycle it, the WRAP Recycling Action Program (WRAP) was created.