Biodegradable bags have become a popular choice for many people who want to be more environmentally conscious with their waste. However, when it comes to recycling, it can be confusing to know what can and cannot be recycled.

SLO County IWMA Recycling Guide provides us with some insights into what can be recycled and what can't. In this blog post, we'll discuss more about the most common type of biodegradable bags - Ziplock bags - and whether or not they can be recycled.

Ziplock bags are a type of biodegradable bag that many people use for storing food or for organization. While they are marketed as biodegradable, they do not necessarily break down in the same way as other biodegradable products. In fact, many Ziplock bags take years to break down, and may even release harmful chemicals as they degrade.

So, can you recycle Ziplock bags? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Ziplock bags cannot be recycled with your regular recycling because they are made of a different type of plastic than what many recycling programs are equipped to handle.

Additionally, biodegradable bags - including Ziplock bags - can cause problems in recycling facilities because they may look like regular bags and contaminate the recycling stream if they are mistakenly thrown into recycling bins.

So, what can you do with Ziplock bags if they can't be recycled? There are a few options.

First, you can try to reduce the amount of Ziplock bags you use by switching to reusable containers or bags when possible. This can help decrease the amount of waste you generate and reduce your carbon footprint.

If you do need to use Ziplock bags, you can try to reuse them as much as possible before throwing them away. For example, you can use them to store leftovers or to organize small items in your home.

Finally, if you want to dispose of Ziplock bags, you can put them in the trash. While this might not be the most environmentally friendly option, it is better than contaminating the recycling stream and potentially causing more damage to the environment.

In conclusion, while biodegradable bags like Ziplock bags may seem like a good option for reducing waste, they are unfortunately not easily recyclable. To reduce your waste and minimize your impact on the environment, try to use reusable containers and bags as much as possible, and rethink your reliance on single-use plastics like Ziplock bags.