Can you recycle chip bags?

Chip bags (and candy wrappers, granola-bar wrappers, and coffee bags) are metallized plastic film — a mix of plastic and a thin metal layer that can't be separated. They're not recyclable, not even at store plastic-bag drop-offs, and go in the black trash cart.

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Why not the store film drop-off

Store drop-off bins take clean, stretchy polyethylene film (grocery bags, bread bags, air pillows). A chip bag is a stiff, crinkly laminate — it's a different, non-recyclable material, so keep it out of both the blue cart and the film bin.

Take-back option

TerraCycle runs snack-wrapper and flexible-packaging programs (sometimes brand-sponsored) that accept chip bags and candy wrappers by mail — the only real recycling route for these.

Reduce

Buying larger bags instead of single-serve, or snacks in recyclable packaging, cuts down on the film that has to be trashed.

Chip Bags — quick FAQ

Are chip bags recyclable?

No — chip bags are metallized plastic film that can't be recycled curbside or at store drop-offs. They go in the black trash cart.

Can I put chip bags in the plastic-bag store drop-off?

No — drop-off bins are only for clean, stretchy polyethylene film. Chip bags are a stiff laminate and don't belong there.

Is there any way to recycle chip bags?

Only through a mail-in program like TerraCycle's snack-wrapper collection — there's no curbside option.

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