Crinkly Food Packaging
Crinkly Food Packaging (Multi-Layer Plastic)
Not to be confused with stretchy plastic film. Crinkly food packaging includes chip bags, coffee bags, granola bar wrappers, and similar materials. These items may look simple, but they’re made from several fused layers of different materials, which is why they’re so difficult to recycle through traditional systems.
The ReCollective is stepping in to fill that gap by creating a reliable way to collect and responsibly process these materials so they don’t end up in the landfill.
Crinkly food packaging is the number one most requested material from our members. The ReCollective is piloting crinkly food packaging to understand how it may fit within our service offering. During the pilot, members can purchase 4 gallon pink bags for $6 in the Member Dashboard shop and fill them as needed. When full, just put them out with your pickup. As we learn from this pilot and see how often members use it, we may add a fifth canvas bag in the future dedicated to crinkly food packaging. We also accept this material in Almost Anything Bag.
Accepted Materials
This recycling stream includes thicker, crinkly food packaging that isn’t stretchy. Make sure everything is clean and completely dry, and remove any metal clips or ties before placing it in the bag.
- Frozen food bags
- Resealable food bags
- Produce bags
- Chip bags
- Plastic granola bar and energy bar wrappers
- Plastic candy wrappers
- Plastic coffee bags
- Salad bags
- Pasta bags
- Cheese packaging
- Woven plastic bags
- Produce netting
- Food and drink pouches
- Takeout utensils (used but clean)
Examples of Accepted Materials
Materials NOT Accepted
- Plastic film (stretchy) – this goes in the plastic film bag.
- Items with paper liners
- Items that contain cardboard
- Items with mixed materials other than plastic, such as metal or paper
- Styrofoam or other foam
- Dirty items
Important Tips! Make sure the packaging feels thick, crinkly, and doesn’t stretch. Do not include thin stretchy film like grocery bags, bread bags, or Ziploc style bags; those belong in plastic film instead. Flatten bags and wrappers to save space and make sorting easier.
How does ReCo recycle crinkly food packaging?
At our warehouse, The ReCollective team sorts and consolidates all crinkly food packaging to remove anything that doesn’t belong. We then compact the material so it can be efficiently shipped to BYFUSION, where it is transformed into durable construction blocks that replace traditional concrete.
BYFUSION’s approach doesn’t just manage plastic, it reimagines it. Through innovative technology, it converts everyday plastic waste into building blocks that support circular design, reduce environmental impact, and create real-world infrastructure that communities can use and be proud of.
F.A.Q.s
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How can I tell if a food package belongs in this stream?
Look for packaging that feels thick, crinkly, and does not stretch. Common examples include chip bags, candy wrappers, frozen food bags, granola bar wrappers, and coffee bags. All items must be clean, completely dry, and free of metal clips or ties. Thin stretchy film like grocery bags or bread bags should go in plastic film instead.
Why is crinkly food packaging hard to recycle, and what happens to it after The ReCollective collects it?
Crinkly food packaging is made from several fused layers of different materials, which makes it difficult for traditional recycling systems to process. At our warehouse, we sort and compact the material before sending it to ByFusion, where it is transformed into durable construction blocks instead of going to the landfill.
How does the crinkly food packaging pilot work? Do I need a pink bag to participate?
Members can take part in the pilot by purchasing 4-gallon pink bags for $6 in the Member Dashboard shop and filling them as needed. The empty bags will be delivered during your next pickup. We’re evaluating how this material fits into our service offering, and member participation will help shape whether it becomes part of our permanent program.
Can crinkly food packaging be recycled through curbside programs?
No. Municipal recycling programs do not accept crinkly food packaging because it’s made from multiple fused layers that standard facilities cannot separate. That’s exactly why The ReCollective is piloting this stream.
Does the pink bag count as one of my core monthly bags?
No. The pink bag is an optional add on during the pilot. Your regular monthly materials and ReCo Picks stay the same.
Why does this pilot cost extra?
Members buy the pink bag for $6 through the Member Dashboard shop. The pilot brings added operational costs, and this fee helps cover handling, sorting, the expense of shipping the material to our processing partner, and recycling fees paid to our processing partner.
Our Partners Who Make this Possible
