H-E-B's “Store Drop-Off” Recycling Program Gives Plastic a Second Life
Since 2008, H-E-B has given away over 3 million reusable bags on Earth Day to make it easier for our customers to reduce their plastic bag use. But, we also know it’s hard to remember to bring them when you shop with us! In that case, you can still be an environmental hero by recycling those plastic bags with H-E-B!
Did you know that plastic bags CAN’T be recycled in home recycling bins, but they CAN be recycled if you bring them back to H-E-B?
Since 2004, H-E-B has collected over 58 million pounds of plastic in our storefront plastic bag recycling bins, located at every H-E-B. You can also recycle plastic bags at H-E-B Curbside Pickup! Just bundle, place bags in your trunk, and give them to the Partner who loads your order into your car.
Why Can’t Plastic Bags Be Recycled at Home?
Thin plastic bags, like grocery bags, are typically lightweight and flexible which causes them to get caught & tangled in traditional recycling equipment. To be recycled, plastic bags must be brought back to a designated “store drop-off” location like your H-E-B, so they don’t end up in landfills.
For this same reason, it’s also important that you do not use trash bags at home when collecting your traditional recyclables (like plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, and paper). Instead, place them loosely in your recycling bin. Some municipal programs, however, allow recycling in clear bags only so that the contents are easily identifiable as recyclables—H-E-B offers Field & Future clear kitchen bags for this very purpose! Check with your local recycling service to see if they allow clear recycling bags.
When plastic bags end up in your at-home recyclables, it can cause contamination causing your true recyclables to go to the landfill. Use H-E-B’s dedicated storefront plastic bag recycling bins to help ensure everything is recycled correctly! H-E-B uses this recycled plastic to make new items, like our Field & Future trash and recycling bags.
What Types of Plastic Bags & Film Can I Recycle at My H-E-B?
These clean, dry plastic bags & packaging can be recycled at your H-E-B:
- Plastic grocery bags from ANY retailer
- Newspaper bags
- Produce bags
- Bread bags
- Overwrap film from bottled water, toilet paper, or paper towel packaging
- Plastic package delivery envelopes, including bubble wrap envelopes
- Plastic package insulation, i.e., plastic air bags and bubble wrap
- Plastic food storage bags
- Zipper sandwich bags
- Plastic Six-Pack Rings
When in doubt, look for the How2Recycle store drop-off logo on any bag or packaging.
What Types of Plastic Bags & Film CAN’T Be Recycled at My H-E-B?
These types of plastic bags & packaging cannot currently be recycled at your H-E-B:
- Plastic floral wrap
- Plastic wrap from Meal Simple meals
- Plastic bags marked with a Plastic #7 symbol
- Candy wrappers
- Biodegradable or compostable bags
- Pet food bags
- Milk bottles and jugs
- Frozen food packaging (I.e., the plastic bags frozen vegetables come in)
Check your local recycling services for more details on what plastics they will accept!
We’re proud to partner with Waste Management to recycle soft plastic from our bag bins. Watch this video to see what happens behind the scenes when you bring your plastic to us!
What’s Next for H-E-B’s Recycling & Sustainability Initiatives?
H-E-B is dedicated to continually expanding our efforts to contribute to a circular recycling economy & making our business practices more sustainable. From expanding recycling access for Texans to investing in renewable energy sources, we’re working to make Texas a better place to live, now and in the future.
