Ask the Eco Geek: Plastic Grocery Bags

My local Dominion has a huge bin for recycling plastic grocery bags. But what happens to them? And why don't other stores offer this service? Joyce Desjardins Dominion stores, along with sister companies such as A&P, first offered a recycling program aimed at plastic bags in 1996. This year, they expect to recycle over 400,000 kgs of plastic bags and other packaging collected at stores. The material is used remake bags or create plastic deck lumber. Tammy Smitham, director of communications for A&P Canada, says that while the company essentially breaks even on the venture, the environmental benefits and consumer goodwill make it a winner. Most other stores will accept bags, ostensibly for recycling, but don't publicize the service, perhaps because they fear the challenges of handling large amounts of plastic. However, with the average Ontario resident using over 200 plastic bags yearly, eliminating the bags in the first place should be the ultimate goal.

Got a pressing environmental question? Ask Steve Bearton, journalist, environmental advocate and the Eco Geek!