How to dispose of plastic film and bubble wrap starts with a firm rule: film usually does not belong in the curbside recycling cart. Thin, flexible plastic like bags, shrink wrap, air pillows, and bubble wrap wraps around the spinning screens at recycling facilities and forces workers to stop and cut it free. Instead, reuse what you can and take clean, dry polyethylene film to a store drop-off or a local film collection program where available.
What counts as plastic film
- Grocery and retail bags.
- Bread, produce, and newspaper bags.
- Dry cleaning bags.
- Case wrap from paper towels, toilet paper, and water bottles.
- Bubble wrap and air pillows, once deflated.
- Zip-top bags, clean and dry.
- Mailer envelopes made entirely of plastic.
Many of these are polyethylene, often marked #2 or #4. Packaging with a “Store Drop-Off” label indicates it can go to film collection bins where they exist.
What does not go with film
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Chip bags and candy wrappers | Multi-layer, often metallized |
| Padded mailers with paper and plastic | Mixed materials |
| Film with food residue | Contaminated |
| Compostable bags | Different material that contaminates PE film |
| Plastic wrap from meat | Food contamination and different plastics |
Store drop-off programs
Some grocery stores and big-box retailers have bins for plastic bags and film near the entrance. Availability has changed over time, and some chains have scaled back, so check your local stores and your city’s recycling page. Bring film clean, dry, and free of receipts or labels if possible.
Reuse ideas
- Reuse bubble wrap and air pillows for moving, shipping, or storage.
- Give packing materials to pack-and-ship stores, small online sellers, or neighbors who are moving; some stores accept clean packing materials.
- Use bags as trash can liners or for pet waste.
- Insulate windows or plants in a pinch with bubble wrap.
Popping and deflating
Pop or cut air pillows and bubble wrap before dropping them off so they take up less space. Pressing out the air does not affect recyclability.
Bulk film from moves and remodels
Large amounts of clean stretch wrap or furniture wrap may be accepted by some recyclers or stores. Contractors and businesses often have dedicated film recycling through their haulers. For boat covers, see boat shrink wrap.
When to trash it
Dirty, wet, or mixed-material film goes in the trash. So does film when no drop-off is available. Tie it up so it does not blow out of the truck.
How to dispose of plastic film and bubble wrap FAQ
Can bubble wrap go in the recycling bin?
Usually not in curbside carts. Reuse it or take clean bubble wrap to a store film drop-off where available.
Why can’t plastic bags go in curbside recycling?
Film wraps around sorting equipment and causes shutdowns.
What plastic film can be recycled at stores?
Clean, dry polyethylene film such as bags, case wrap, and bubble wrap, where drop-offs exist.
Are chip bags recyclable with plastic film?
No. They are multi-layer and often metallized.
Where can I donate bubble wrap?
Some pack-and-ship stores, small online sellers, and neighbors who are moving accept clean packing materials.
The bottom line
How to dispose of plastic film and bubble wrap: keep it out of the curbside cart, reuse it for packing or liners, and take clean, dry polyethylene film to a store drop-off or local collection where available. Trash dirty or multi-layer film.
Guides and tools
Household hazardous waste guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides