Plastic Bag Take-Back Program
Did you know plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to break down?
Some grocery stores and retailers offer a Plastic Bag Take-Back Program that collects plastic bags to be recycled, reducing the amount going in the garbage.
Please contact your local grocery store or retailer to see if they collect plastic bags before you drop them off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are plastic bags and wrap not accepted in York Region’s Blue Box program?
York Region does not accept plastic bags and wrap in the blue box because:
- Plastic bags get tangled in the sorting machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and must be removed by hand
- These items are costly to sort by hand
- There are limited local end markets that recycle plastic bags
How should I prepare my bags before dropping them off at participating grocery stores or retailers?
- Turn all plastic shopping bags inside out
- Stuff all plastic shopping bags into one bag
- Drop them in a Take-Back bin found at participating grocery stores and retailers
What happens if I put my plastic bags/wrap in the blue box anyway?
Materials Recovery Facility staff need to remove the bags by hand and put them in the garbage.
What types of plastic bags/wrap are accepted at which participating retailers?
Most programs accept clean and dry checkout bags, newspaper bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, and toilet paper and paper towel wrap. A good rule of thumb is if the plastic can be stretched, it is good for recycling. Please contact your local grocery store or retailer to confirm they collect plastic bags before dropping them off.
Are plastic bags banned in Canada?
Yes. As of December 20, 2023, many single-use items, including plastic bags were banned and are no longer available in Canada. Visit york.ca/ReduceWaste to learn more.
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