If you have too many plastic bags or other plastic film items, rather than throwing them away, the South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre will help you recycle them.
Special Projects director Anne Lewis says there’s a drop off site in the foyer of the South Dakota Discovery Center.
Lewis provides tips on determining what plastic film is recyclable and what isn’t.
Lewis says too much plastic ends up as litter on the ground or in lakes, rivers and oceans, posing a threat to wildlife. She says plastic film such as bags and bubble wrap are a particular problem because they degrade so quickly, becoming microplastic.
Drop off clean, dry and empty plastic bags, sacks and wrap at the SD Discovery Center for recycling now through June 30.
Volunteers are needed to help collect, sort and transport the plastic recycling. If interested, contact Anne at the Discovery Center at 605-224-8295 or email annelewis@sd-discovery.org.
Here are a couple of ways for you to tell its polyethylene or not:
1. Check to see if the packaging is labeled with at 2 or 4. If so, it can be included.
2. See if the packaging will stretch when you pull it. If so, it can be included.
3. Is the packaging shiny or does it make a crinkly/crunchy sound? If so, it’s NOT acceptable.
To reduce plastic film use:
•Refuse plastic bags.
•Replace with reuseables.
•When you can’t refuse or replace, then recycle.
What can be recycled?
•LDPE/HDPE Films
•Newspaper Sleeves
•Bread bags
•Product Wrap
•Cereal liners
•Food Storage bags
•Ice bags
•Pellet Bags
•Produce bags
•Dry cleaning bags
•Grocery bags
•Case overwrap
•Packaging air pillows
•Bubble wrap
•Salt Bags
What should NOT be recycled?
•Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
•Pre-washed salad mix bags
•Frozen food bags
•Candy bar wrappers
•Chip bags
•Six-pack rings
•Bags that are stained, wet or still have stuff in them (receipts, onion skin, etc)
