Plastic wrap and film packaging are generally made using #2 (HDPE) and #4 (LDPE) plastic resins, both of which are technically recyclable. However, plastic film cannot go in your curbside recycling bin because it tangles sorting equipment and causes costly shutdowns at recycling facilities. Instead, plastic film must be taken to designated drop-off locations or recycled through specialized programs. When properly recycled, plastic film is typically processed into composite lumber, construction materials, new flexible films, and a variety of other products.
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What is the difference between plastic wrap, film, and a plastic bag?
The plastics in wraps and films can be recycled, but how they are used makes a difference. A “plastic bag” usually means grocery or shopping bags. Plastic wrap and film include things like dry cleaning bags, mattress covers, newspaper sleeves, and bread bags. You can recycle any of these if they are clean and dry.
Does it matter if the plastic wrap or film is wet or food-soiled?
Yes. Do not recycle plastic wrap or film if it is wet or has food on it, because this causes problems during recycling. Make sure your plastic film is clean and completely dry before you drop it off.
Where to Recycle Plastic Film
Store Drop-Off Programs
Most plastic film recycling happens through drop-off bins at retail stores. However, recent investigations have questioned how effective some of these store programs are.
Important Update: A 2023 ABC News investigation using GPS trackers found that plastic bags dropped off at many retail locations ended up in landfills rather than recycling facilities. A Bloomberg investigation had similar findings. As a result, the widely used Film Drop-Off Directory managed by Stina Inc. was taken offline in late 2023.
NexTrex Program (Recommended): In September 2024, Trex Company launched the NexTrex Plastic Recycling Drop-Off Directory, which provides verified drop-off locations where collected material is tracked through to Trex’s manufacturing facilities. The directory includes approximately 10,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states. Trex manages the collection process end-to-end and converts the plastic film into composite decking products. Search for locations at NexTrex.com.
Flexible Film Recycling Alliance Directory: In January 2025, the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) launched a new directory of over 20,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The FFRA has committed to developing a third-party verification program and publicly sharing impact data within two years of the directory’s launch.
Grocery Store Verification: A 2025 investigation in Virginia found that grocery chains partnering directly with Trex (including Food Lion, Giant, Harris Teeter, and Wegmans) had better recycling outcomes than those using third-party logistics companies. If you want to ensure your plastic bags are recycled, look for stores that are verified NexTrex partners.
Specialized Recycling Programs
Hefty ReNew Program: The Hefty ReNew program allows residents in participating communities to collect hard-to-recycle plastics—including plastic film, chip bags, foam containers, and plastic cutlery—in special orange bags that go out with curbside recycling. The program has diverted over 3,000 tons of materials from landfills and is currently available in select communities across Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, Tennessee, Arizona, Ohio, and Illinois. Materials are processed into building products, plastic lumber, and composite decking. Check HeftyReNew.com to see if your community participates.
TerraCycle Programs: TerraCycle offers both free brand-sponsored recycling programs and paid Zero Waste Box solutions for plastic film. Free programs are available for specific products (check the TerraCycle website for current offerings). The paid Plastic Packaging Zero Waste Pouch accepts flexible plastic films for $47, while larger Zero Waste Boxes for plastic packaging start around $105. TerraCycle has also partnered with select ShopRite stores in New Jersey to offer flexible film recycling kiosks for all brands of plastic film packaging.
Ridwell: Ridwell offers a mail-in recycling service for hard-to-recycle plastics, including plastic film. The service costs $30 to start with prepaid bags as low as $9 each. Ridwell partners with Trex to ensure collected plastic film is recycled into composite lumber. The service is available nationwide via mail-in, with doorstep pickup available in select metropolitan areas.
Emerging Curbside Options
Curbside collection of plastic film remains limited but is expanding. WM (formerly Waste Management) and Dow launched a curbside plastic film recycling pilot in the Chicago area in 2022, with plans to expand. WM has approximately a dozen materials recovery facilities equipped to collect film, though the company notes that limited end markets have slowed expansion. As of 2025, curbside plastic film recycling remains unavailable in most U.S. communities.
The Current State of Plastic Film Recycling
Plastic recycling rates in the United States remain low. According to multiple reports, only about 5–6% of plastic waste is recycled in the U.S., with plastic film having one of the lowest recycling rates of any plastic material.
Plastic film recycling still has problems, like few buyers for recycled material, changing demand, and some facilities closing. Still, companies like Trex recycle hundreds of millions of pounds of plastic film each year. This shows that recycling works when the material is collected and sent to trusted processors.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is advancing in several states, which may improve plastic film recycling infrastructure in the future. California’s SB 343, which will come into effect in October 2026, will restrict recyclability claims on polyethylene films that don’t meet strict recycling standards.
Best Practices for Recycling Plastic Film
- Use verified drop-off locations through NexTrex or the FFRA directory.
- Ensure all film is clean, dry, and free of food residue.
- Remove receipts and other paper from bags.
- Bundle your plastic film to make drop-off more convenient.
- When possible, reduce your use of single-use plastic film and choose reusable alternatives.
Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated in February 2026.