Plastic wrap and film packaging are generally made using #2 and #4 plastic resins, both of which are recyclable. Plastic film is typically downcycled to make composite lumber, and it can be used to make a wide variety of products. Because most curbside programs do not accept plastic wrap and film, it must be taken to a drop-off location for recycling.
Find Recycling Guides for other materials
Frequent Plastic Wrap & Film Recycling Questions
What does “plastic resin code” mean?
Plastic materials are usually marked with a number that indicates the type of plastic it is made from, and although it is displayed inside a recycling logo the resin number does not ensure you can recycle the plastci. Consumers can use this information to determine whether or not certain plastic types are collected for recycling in their area. Learn more about the numbers behind plastics.
Some clear plastic-like materials are actually made of cellophane, which is derived from wood cellulose and requires different recycling steps depending on whether it is coated. See our cellophane recycling guide for more information.
Which wraps and film can be recycled and which can’t?
Please DO recycle:
- Grocery and retail bags
- Newspaper bags
- The plastic wrapping used in napkins, paper towels, bathroom tissue, and diaper packaging
- Bread bags
- Dry cleaning bags
- The outer wrapping from bulk beverages
- Produce bags
- All clean, dry bags labeled #2 or #4
Please DO NOT recycle:
- Food or cling wrap
- Prepackaged food bags (including frozen food bags and pre-washed salad bags)
- Plastic film that has been painted or has excessive glue residue
What is the difference between plastic wrap and film and a plastic bag?
While the plastics used to make wraps and films are recyclable, how they are used in packaging and products matter. A “plastic bag” is associated with groceries and retail shopping, while plastic wrap and film cover a wider spectrum of the same materials including everything from your dry cleaning bags and the cover on your new mattress to the bag your newspaper gets delivered in or the bag around your bread.
Any of these items should be recycled as long as they are clean and dry.
Will my grocery store take back plastic wrap and film for recycling?
While many grocers and large retailers, such as Target and Walmart, now accept plastic bags, wrap and film for recycling, there has been controversy about whether those bags get recycled. Look for a bin near the front of the store or jump to the recycling locator to find a plastic film recycling location near you.
Does it matter if the plastic wrap or film is wet or food-soiled?
It does. Wet or food-soiled plastic wrap and film should not be recycled as it can cause costly contamination during the recycling process. Be sure to clean the plastic and let it dry before you drop your plastic wrap and film off for recycling.
Enter your ZIP code in the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find a plastic film recycling location near you.
Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated in June 2024.