Why aren’t plastic bags and film accepted in single stream recycling, and how can I recycle my plastic bags?

Plastic bags and plastic films are extremely difficult to separate from other recyclables at the processing facilities. These types of plastics get snagged on machinery and tangle up other materials.

Many plastic bags and films are recyclable, but they must be collected through a separate, dedicated system. You can recycle your plastic bags at most local grocery stores. The most common thing that bags are turned into is plastic boards like the kind outdoor plastic decks and park benches are made of.

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1. Why is it called Single Stream Recycling?
2. Is single stream better than multi-stream sorted recycling?
3. Should I put my recyclables in a bag before I place them in my single stream recycling container?
4. Why aren’t plastic bags and film accepted in single stream recycling, and how can I recycle my plastic bags?
5. Why isn’t glass accepted in single stream recycling, and how can I recycle my glass?
6. I live in an apartment building or other type of multi-unit building; can I use the City’s recycling system?
7. I am a county resident; can I use the City of Durango for my trash and recycling collections?
8. What happens to my recycling after it is collected?
9. My trash or recycling wasn’t collected, what happened?
10. What does an overfill charge on my bill mean?
11. My container or dumpster lid is broken and not closing properly, can you fix it?
12. Are trash and recycling still collected during winter storms?