Plastic Bags
No bagged recyclables, plastic bags, or plastic film of any kind are accepted in the city’s recycling bin!
Plastic bags are the #1 form of contamination in the recycling stream. On a daily basis, plastic bags and plastic film clog the machinery used to process recyclable materials resulting in operational problems, facility shutdowns, and safety hazards to employees. These lightweight plastic materials are also prone to being blown as litter, creating severe environmental hazards. Due to these concerns, the recycling facility sends all bagged recyclables and loose plastic bags and film to the landfill!
Recycling placed on the curb in plastic bags will be tagged as a violation and left on the curb. To ensure your recyclables are recycled, keep all items loose in the bin!
No Type of Plastic Bag or Film Packaging is Acceptable
- Plastic trash bags (any color or size)
- Produce bags
- Bread and bakery bags
- Plastic padded envelopes
- Plastic film envelopes
- Retail or grocery shopping bags
- Dry cleaning bags
- Bubble wrap
- Cereal box liners
- Ice bags
- Zip close food storage bags
- Newspaper bags
- Snack bags (ex. chip bags)
- Case wrap (e.g beverage cases, toilet paper wrap)
- Air pillows
To properly dispose of plastic bags and plastic films, recycle them at local retailer take-back programs, or place them in the trash.
Plastic Bag Recycling Take-back Program
All of the items listed above can be recycled at participating grocery and retail stores with the Trex drop-off program. To properly recycle plastic bags and film, drop off any at one of the participating NexTrex retailers.
Plastic bags and plastic films dropped off are collected by Trex, a local manufacture in Virginia, where it is recycled into high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing.
To learn more about the Trex Recycling Program, visit: Trex.com/Recycling.
Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution – Bring Your Own Bag
The overwhelming usage of single-use plastic bags is a global phenomenon. It is estimated that between one to five trillion plastic bags are used across the globe each year, with the average American family consuming 1,500 plastic bags a year. Effective January 1, 2023, disposable plastic bags provided at point of sale to consumers at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores in Fairfax City will be subject to a 5 cent tax. To avoid the tax, consumers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags, or opt out of bags altogether.
Need a reusable bag? Free reusable grocery bags are available to residents while supplies last. Pick up a bag at Fairfax City Hall Atrium, 10455 Armstrong St., weekdays between 8:30 A.M and 5:00 P.M. (excluding holidays) while supplies last.