The Fourth of July brings backyard barbecues, travel, and celebrations — but it also brings a surge in flexible plastic packaging.
From grocery bags to product wrap, many of the items used during Independence Day gatherings are recyclable — but not in your curbside bin. Knowing what qualifies (and where to take it) can help keep these materials out of landfills.
What Is Flexible Film?
Flexible film includes lightweight, stretchy plastics commonly used for packaging and food storage—typically made from #2 (HDPE) or #4 (LDPE) plastic. These materials are not accepted in most curbside recycling programs, as they can tangle sorting equipment. Instead, they are collected through store drop-off and municipality recycling programs, specialty subscription services, and mail-in services.
Common Fourth of July Items You Can Recycle
During a typical Fourth of July weekend, you’ll likely encounter several types of recyclable film:
Food Prep & Storage
- Plastic grocery bags
- Produce bags (for fruits and vegetables)
- Bread bags for hamburger and hot dog buns
- Resealable storage bags (clean and dry)
Packaging from Food & Drinks
- Overwrap on beverage cases (water, soda, etc.)
- Interior bag liners from boxed snacks
- Plastic wrap from serveware (plates, paper towels, napkins, etc.)
Party and Travel Packaging
- Bubble wrap or air pillows from shipped decorations or supplies
- Plastic mailers (with shipping label removed)
- Dry cleaning bags for event outfits
What Not to Include
Not all plastic packaging qualifies. Avoid placing these items in film recycling bins:
- Chip bags and candy wrappers
- Frozen food packaging
- Compostable or biodegradable bags
- Paper-padded mailers
These materials can contaminate the recycling stream and should be disposed of according to local guidelines.
How to Recycle Flexible Film (Step-by-Step)
- Clean and dry
Remove food residue, crumbs, and moisture. - Gather your films
Consolidate your items so you can save time on drop-off trips. - Verify your items are accepted
Doublecheck that the films you’ve collected are in fact recyclable. You can find a list of common items here.
Where to Recycle Plastic Film
Across the U.S., flexible plastic film is collected through a mix of recycling programs.
Store Drop-Off Programs: Many grocery stores and retail locations offer collection bins for plastic bags and film, typically located near store entrances.
Mail-In and Subscription Services: For consumers without convenient access to store drop-off, mail-in and subscription-based recycling services provide another option.
Find the collection methods that are available to you by using our Map tool.
Make Film Recycling Part of Your Fourth of July Routine
As you clean up after your celebration:
- Set aside bags, wrap, and packaging that can be recycled
- Keep a collection spot in your kitchen or garage
- Drop them off on your next grocery trip
These simple steps help support proper collection and recycling.
