Why can’t I recycle plastic bags in my recycling cart?

Staff who sort recyclables at the Materials Recovery Facility in Fort Wayne could miss the plastic bags as they sort the non-recyclable items on the fast-moving conveyor belt line. When the plastic bags get caught in the equipment, staff must shut down the line to have somebody go in and cut them out. This is time-consuming, costly, and dangerous.

Look for a plastic bag container at the entrance of your local grocery storefront to recycle plastic bags. Find a drop-off location and review the guidelines in advance on the Plastic Film Recycling website.

Review City of Fort Wayne recycling guidelines on the One Cart Recycling Program website. For more information, contact the City of Fort Wayne's Solid Waste Department at 311 or email the Solid Waste Department.

Review Allen County Department of Environmental Management's Community Recycling Drop-off Site guidelines on our Community Recycling Drop-off Sites website.

Show All Answers

1. Where do my recyclables get sorted?
2. What can I recycle in the City of Fort Wayne?
3. May I recycle pizza boxes in my recycling cart?
4. Why can’t I recycle plastic bags in my recycling cart?
5. What should I do with the household hazardous waste products in my house if I am moving?
6. How do I find out who picks up my trash or recycling?
7. When is Tire Amnesty Day?
8. When is Tox Away Day?
9. I live in an apartment or other area in Allen County without access to curbside recycling. Where can I recycle?
10. What should I do with my Christmas Tree?
11. What can I do with used automotive fluids?
12. What can I do with an old TV?
13. Where can I recycle old appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners?
14. Where can I report an issue with my curbside trash or recycling bin?
15. What should I do if my trash or recycling didn’t get picked up?