America's plastic bag recycling stream under scrutiny

A six-month ABC News investigation found that not all of the bags put in in store recycling bins end up in recycling facilities.

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[Sam]

In Canada, The Federal Governmenr already banned the manufacturing and importation of single use plastics like bags. We are basically still using them off existing supply that retailers and grocery stores already have inside the country. We were using reusable bags for shopping in Canada like more than a decade ago. Americans are far behind. The video fails to mention how much plastic waste you guys export to third world countries like Cambodia and The Phillipines.

[Marcus-weig]

Here's another dirty little secret from the industry I have worked at over ten years I would see co workers throw the plastic bags they can't open quick enough, or pull more than one off away in the trash cans under the register and at the end of the shift the entire can would be full. Imagine that happening day after day for years. They also tuck them into the bottom corner under one side of the registers in huge piles to more than likely be thrown away. After not liking this I would try to use the bags and customers would freakout "Give me a new bag that one has germs!" I finally gave up. I would fish as many bags out of the bags out of the trash and just leave them hoping they would be recycled.

[unsolvedmystery]

You think this is bad, look into Lithium franking, and how do they recycle those Lithium car batteries. Interesting, eye-opening stuff. Not environmentally friendly what so ever and guess what? China owns 85% of the Lithium plants. I think it is important for Americans to truly educate ourselves before committing to electric vehicles only. Kids working for pennies a day risking their lives working in Lithium extraction places across the world. Places already lacking in water, have water pollution because of this and less water.

Plastic bags are reusable if they are clean. I used to give mine to a small thrift store or a place that would gladly reuse them or use them myself for bathroom garbage bags. They eventually go into landfills and incinerators. Buying and using less plastic is hard because of convenience. Meat packaging, one-time plastic coffee cup, and straw for an iced Americano with cream. Ultimately, It all comes down to our daily life choices. Even a small change can make a big difference in plastic waste.

[cherlyngibbs]

Can you please tell me where was the Reverend Al Sharpton when the man was having troubles outside and on the train, where was he then can you please print this on the news or ask someone where was the river in when he needed help badly?

[jamesstpatrick]

American don't recycle.. No secret

[wemcal]

Great information.. I reuse my bag all the time.. recycling bins have been removed in my area.. these bags are great for sealing items and dust protection

[cherlyngibbs]

Why can’t we see all those protesters out there now when that woman got hot I kicked out where were the protesters then? Where was the river in Al’s shopped and then?

[cherlyngibbs]

Why can’t we see any of those protesters now? Why can’t we hear from the rep an owl Shopton when this stuff is going on then can someone please tell me why not where all the protesters?

[cherlyngibbs]

It’s a shame that whenever Tawana Brawley on our hands, but on your station, you don’t care

[jakemumford]

We need to all just stop using the plastic bags

[LisaMills-tvsd]

I'm a nobody & if I can be borhered to spend time & brain power trying to come up with new ways to reduce, reuse, repurpose, & if I can't do any of those, recycle. I'd think if your getting paid to come up with something. ??? I can't speak on Target, as there isn't 1 near me. As for Walmart, I It doesn't seem like they're even trying. I'm sure even I could come up with at least 1 way to put a dent in the bazillion bags that leave their stores every day

[cherlyngibbs]

Where are you? What are all these people when this man was going out of his mind and now everyone wants to help him now that he’s dead to get all the money they can

[sakuntaladas]

Sakuntala Das AppAur Padosi divorced from viren-vim