We all want to give our recyclables a "future hope" rather than just seeing them as trash. It starts at the curb, where many of us—with the best intentions—bag our plastics to keep things tidy. However, even when using bags specifically labeled for recycling, this one small step can lead to a big problem.

 

Why "Recycling Bags" Aren't the Answer

You’ve likely seen products on the shelf like the one pictured below, which claim to be perfect for your recycling bin. While these may be convenient, they pose a significant challenge to the specific machinery used here in Charles County.

The Reality at the Facility: Our sorting machinery is designed to process loose items. When materials arrive bundled in plastic film, the bags act as "tanglers," wrapping around sorting disks and gears. This creates a dangerous, costly mess that requires our workers to shut down the facility and manually cut away the debris.

Keep it Loose to Keep it Moving

To ensure your efforts actually result in new life for your materials, the rule is simple: Keep it loose. * Skip the Bag: Place your bottles, cans, and paper directly into your blue bin.

• The Store Drop-Off: Plastic bags and film can still be saved! Just take them back to participating grocery stores where they are collected for specialized processing.
• Yard Waste Reminder: This also applies to your yard waste—plastic bags are not accepted. Please use paper yard waste bags or a reusable container marked with an "X".

Did Your Cart Get Tagged?

If our contractors find unacceptable items like plastic bags in your cart, they will leave a non-collection notice to let you know. If you find a tag on your bin, it's just a friendly nudge to help us all "Recycle Right."

• Watch: How Plastic Bags Impact Our Machinery
• Watch: Understanding Non-Collection Notices

For a full list of what is and isn't accepted, visit our official Recycle Right Guide. Together, we can keep Charles County beautiful—one loose bottle at a time.

 

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CHARLES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DIVISION | 10430 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD • 301-932-5656 (MD Relay 7-1-1)