We want Manitobans to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags they use. Can you help us reach our goal?
Here are some tips for how you can do your part:
- Say “no” when a retailer offers you a bag (plastic or paper.) For a few items, we usually don’t need a bag.
- Bring a reusable bag when you go shopping.
- Reuse your “single-use” plastic bags around your home.
- Use plastic bags for packing material, trash can liners, and to pick up animal waste.
- If you do use plastic bags, return them to a retailer that accepts them for recycling.
- Pack your bags as full as possible! Remember that a plastic bag can hold up to 17 pounds of product – nearly 2,000 times its own weight.
- Paper isn’t always the better choice. Paper bags take more natural resources to make than plastic bags do.
Remember, reduce your use of plastic bags, and reuse and recycle the ones already in your home.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do Recycle
- Brown paper bags – recycle in your blue bin
- Empty bread and produce bags – return to retailer
- Grocery bags – return to retailer
Don’t Recycle
- Bio-based or compostable bags
- Bubble wrap
- Cellophane
- Film that has been painted or has excessive glue
- Plastic air bags (i.e. Amazon air packages)
- Plastic overwrap (i.e. Plastic used to bundle paper towels)
- Prepackaged food bags (i.e. Pre-made salad bags, chip bags)
- Resealable plastic pouches (i.e. Frozen vegetable and fruit bags)
- Used saran/cling wrap used to cover food
