Can I recycle plastic mesh citrus bags?
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Some fruits, especially citrus, often are packaged in stretchy mesh or woven plastic produce bags. Generally made from polyethylene plastics No. 1, 2 and 4 or polypropylene plastic No. 5, they aren’t labeled with recycling symbols, but they are recyclable in L.A.’s blue bin.
Netted produce bags that resemble fabric fishing nets, like the nylon bags used for a brand of citrus called Cuties, are not recyclable, because they can get tangled in the sorting equipment at recycling facilities. Netted produce bags made from nylon and other fabric-like synthetics are trash and should be placed in the black bin.
The difference between the two types of bags is often in the feel; netted bags have small knots in the intersecting lines of the netting.
For both types of bags, reuse is best. Use them to carry fruits purchased at farmers markets or for wet swim suits at the beach.
Because policies and recommendations can vary from city to city, each week we ask a sampling of officials from various municipalities to weigh in. Can I recycle plastic mesh citrus bags in ...
Arcadia: Yes
Burbank: Not curbside. They can be placed in the mixed plastics bin at the Burbank Recycle Center.
Glendale: No
L.A.: Yes, if stretchy plastic. No, if mesh.
Riverside: No
Santa Monica: No
Torrance: No
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(Each week, we explain the recycling potential for an item that might be confusing. Here are some previous Can I Recycle topics.)
-- Susan Carpenter