Recycling Ziploc Bags

One of our favorite ways to get products to customers is through our weekly CSF (Community Supported Fishery). We conveniently pack our seafood in Ziploc bags and keep them on ice until they're picked up. Like any sandwich bags, Ziploc bags are made of "film." Recycling industry jargon alert! The film is any clear, thin plastic made of either low-density polyethylene (L.D.P.E.) or high-density polyethylene (H.D.P.E.). These plastics are only sometimes recyclable via our standard recycling bins. 

Santa Cruz Residents

Plastic bags and film are accepted via curbside recycling if you "Bag Your Bags" by placing all your plastic bags and film into a larger plastic bag and tying the top of the bag closed. Just remember clean, dry, bag, and tie! You can find more information on the City of Santa Cruz website.

San Jose Residents

Sorry San Jose folks, it appears the city doesn't accept plastic bags for curbside recycling. However, you can find the closest drop-off site on the Bag and Films Recycling website. You can also find more information on the San Jose Recycle's website.

San Francisco Residents

Plastic bags and film are accepted via curbside recycling if you 'Bag Your Bags' too. You can bundle clean, soft plastic into one bag and place it in the blue recycling bin. Find more information on the San Francisco Environment Department's website.

Oakland Residents

Unfortunately, this city doesn't accept plastic bags for curbside recycling. However, you can find the closest drop-off site on the Bag and Films Recycling website.

Drop-Off Sites

Some grocery stores accept plastic bags as well! S.C.R.A.P., an arm of the Santa Cruz-based organization Grey Bears, facilitates plastic film recycling and services more than 200 businesses in Santa Cruz. 

Often there will be a government or third-party organization facilitating plastic film recycling. CalRecycle's state-specific website helps you find your nearest plastic film drop-off site. You can also use the US-wide Bag and Film Recycling website to locate recycling points.

We're also excited to share fun tips on how to reuse your Ziploc bags. Once you remove the seafood from the bag, turn it inside out and wash it with warm water and soap. Let dry and choose your adventure! 

1. Line a small pot with the Ziploc bag. Remember to poke holes in it to let the water drain :). 
2. Keep your Ziploc in the car as a vehicle garbage bag. Once it's filled, dump it out and keep reusing it. 
3. Use the Ziploc to grab loose produce items at the supermarket. For example: instead of using their plastic bags, I reuse Ziplocs to pick up a few knobs of ginger or mushrooms- whatever fits!
4. Dog duty! 'Nuff said. 

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