Plastic Bag Take-Back Program
Ontarians use an estimated seven million plastic bags each day, about 80 bags per second. Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to break down. Residents can bring their plastic bags back to retailers to be recycled, reducing the number of bags ending up in the garbage.
Recycled plastic bags are used to make things like new plastic bags, plastic lumber, patio furniture and park benches.
How do I Recycle my Plastic Bags?
It is easy to recycle plastic bags!
- Turn your plastic shopping bags inside out
- Stuff your plastic shopping bags into one bag
- Drop them off at a Take-Back bin at a participating store
Please contact your local grocery store to confirm if they participate in the Plastic Bag Take-Back program, as the program is subject to change.
As of December 20, 2023, many single-use items, including plastic bags will no longer be available in Canada. Visit york.ca/ReduceWaste to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are plastic bags and film not accepted in York Region’s Blue Box program?
Many municipal blue box recycling programs accept different materials depending on available resources and infrastructure. York Region does not accept plastic bags and film in the blue box because:
- Plastic bags get tangled up in the sorting machinery at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
- There are increased costs to sort by hand
- There are increased maintenance costs to remove tangled bags and significant downtime while machines are repaired
- Plastic bags and film may contaminate other recyclables
- There are limited local end markets for processed plastic bags
What happens if I put my plastic bags/film in the blue box anyway?
Workers at the Materials Recovery Facility need to remove it by hand and dispose of it as garbage.
What types of plastic bags/film are accepted at which participating retailers?
It is suggested that you call the store prior to dropping off your plastic bags to confirm participation in the program. Most programs accept clean and dry newspaper bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, toilet paper wrap, paper towel wrap and T-shirt bag wraps. A good rule of thumb is, if the plastic can be stretched, it is good for recycling.
When are plastic bags being banned in Canada?
As of December 20, 2023, many single-use items, including plastic bags will no longer be available in Canada. Visit york.ca/ReduceWaste to learn more.
