Multi-layer plastic
What items can we take?
Please shake or wipe out any crumbs. If you need to wash something to get it clean, please make sure it is completely dry before putting it in your bag!
Resealable food bags
Plastic coffee bags
Frozen food bags
Must be clean and completely dry
Fresh food bags
Plastic bags for dry pet food and treats
Thick food bags with shiny lining
Thin wrappers with shiny lining
Plastic granola bar and energy bar wrappers
Chip bags
Plastic candy wrappers
Plastic candy bar wrappers
Ramen outer packaging
Crunchy plastic food bags
Potting soil, fertilizer, and bark bags
Must be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry
Woven plastic bags
Produce netting
Please remove any metal parts like clips or ties
Soft, flexible rings
What isn’t in this category?
We are unable to take items that are dirty or items made with paper.
Plastic film items
Plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, etc - put these in your plastic film bag! :)
Dirty or oily items
Paper bags
Paper coffee bags
Mixed material with paper
Waxy cracker wrappers, paper candy wrappers, or any items that have paper or waxy layers
Single-serve coffee packets
Canvas or burlap coffee bags
Reuse these if you can!
Thick foil/metal
Aluminum foil, ramen seasoning packets, foil candy wrappers, etc
Metallic bubble wrap and insulated bags
Squeezable food containers
Foil drink pouches
Packaging for wet pet food
Multi-layer plastic.
The bags your frozen berries and favorite almonds come in may look and feel like they're made of only one kind of plastic, but they're actually made of multiple layers of different plastic types. These layers help keep food fresh until it's eaten, but they're notoriously difficult to recycle. That's where Ridwell comes in!
We take your multi-layer plastic items, and our partners turn them into cool new products like building materials and leach-free stormwater drainage material.
Partnering with Hydroblox, Inc.
HydroBlox creates commercial and industrial drainage solutions. HydroBlox manufactures drainage material in the shape of long planks made from 100% landfill-bound plastic. These planks help control water flow, directing rain and stormwater from under roadways and homes back to the aquifers where they belong. HydroBlox prides itself on its environmentally friendly manufacturing process which uses no glue, binders, chemicals or exhaust heat to bind together and it does not create dust or fumes. Even the water used for cooling the material is recycled and the scrap plastic is re-recycled. HydroBlox has been named one of the top mechanical recycling companies in the world by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
FAQ
What is the difference between plastic film and multi-layer plastic?
Plastic film is made up of just one type of plastic, usually #2 or #4, and can be easily stretched with just your thumb. Multi-layer plastic is a type of material used in packaging that is made up of multiple layers of different plastic types fused together. It’s generally thicker and difficult to stretch.
How clean does multi-layer plastic need to be?
Dirt, oil, food, and mold from moisture or food remnants are considered contaminants. Multi-layer plastic needs to be clean and completely dry before going in your bag, as contaminated items are not able to be recycled properly. We appreciate your help with this!
What happens to multi-layer plastic once it is collected by Ridwell?
Ridwell processes, bales, and sends the multi-layer plastic to our partners. We have two awesome partners we work with to recycle your multi-layer plastic:
- ByFusion turns your items into construction-grade building blocks.
- Hydroblox turns your items into water drainage material.
To see which partners we're working with in your area, check the partner info above (just below the list of items we take).
Join the movement to build a future without waste.
