Madison Ends Its Plastic bag Drop Off Program

Bags Now Recycled Curbside. Supermarket Programs Continue

The Streets Division has ended its plastic bag drop off program. Drop off recycling containers have been removed from the collection sites at Glenway Golf Course, Monona Golf Course, First St. Garage, and Warner Park Community Center. "We have ended our plastic bag drop off program because we are now able to collect plastic bags as part of the curbside recycling program," Dreckmann said. "Since this is a more convenient method for Madison residents we saw no need to continue to drop off program which cost $17,800 per year to operate." Madison residents need to place their plastic bags inside a larger plastic bag and tie it shut before putting the bags inside their green recycling carts. This will prevent loose plastic bags from getting tangled up in sorting equipment at the processing center. Madison's recycling program accepts plastic grocery, produce, and newspaper bags. Water softener salt bags, bread bags, food storage bags, and other plastic bags marked as #2 HDPE or #4 LLDPE can be recycled, along with heavier plastic film such as the clear wrapping from around appliances and mattresses as well as shrink warp. Most area supermarkets will still be operating their plastic bag drop off collection programs as they were independent of the City of Madison program. Residents with questions about plastic bag recycling can call the City of Madison recycling office at 267-2626 or visit www.cityofmadison.com/streets

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