According to Glad.com, "In general, plastic wraps are not recyclable." However, consumers can use grocery and retail recycling programs or reuse the plastic sheets. Beyond finding the rare recycling center that will accept shrink wrap or using retail recycling programs, consumers can also reuse shrink wrap for other uses.
Instructions
1. Call your county's department of public works or find a recycling center that accepts type-2 plastics (shrink wrap). Call (800) CLEANUP for state recycling information.
2. Clean the shrink wrap before taking to a recycling center. Unroll or flatten the shrink wrap and fold the sheets into neat squares. This is not a requirement, but will eliminate overflow at busy recycling bins and service centers.
3. Return the shrink wrap to a local grocer or retail store. Many retail and grocery stores are legally required to provide shrink wrap and plastic bag recycling programs to customers. Contact the store to confirm participation in the recycling program and then return your shrink wrap to the collection bin.
4. Use old shrink wrap to line bathroom and kitchen trash bins and cans. Separate pieces by length, using the longest pieces to line the trash bin first. Press short pieces to the shrink wrap you've placed in the bin and build a strip by joining the shorter pieces to the already-placed longer pieces.
5. Use shrink wrap to protect stem glasses and other delicate glassware when moving. Roll it into a ball and use it to fill the glass. Stuff until full and then wrap in newspaper and store in a cardboard box for safe travel.
6. Use shrink wrap to protect your boat during winter months. According to GreenCouple.com, boat owners should mail large bags or reams or bundles of shrink wrap to Dr. Shrink, a manufacturer of boat shrink wrapping. The company will then ship the recycled shrink wrap to your door (see Resources).
