StudioLUF

 Snack bags often come with a recycling symbol, leading many to believe they are recyclable. However, the reality is quite different. Only a small fraction—around 10%—is processed, and even then, it rarely follows the traditional recycling path. Instead, these snack bags are diverted into alternative waste management methods. But what exactly happens to that 10%? The Four Ways Snack Bags Are "Recycled" 1) Incineration for Energy (Waste-to-Energy, WTE) Instead of being recycled into new materials, most snack bags are incinerated to generate electricity or heating energy. This method is widely used in countries like Japan and several parts of Europe. While WTE reduces landfill waste, it raises concerns over carbon emissions and air pollution. More importantly, many waste statistics classify this process as "recycling," even though it is fundamentally different from material recovery. 2) Upcycling Initiatives (e.g., TerraCycle and Brand Programs) Some companies and env...

Summary Snack bags are nearly impossible to recycle due to their fused plastic-aluminum layers. Even if rinsed, most facilities can’t process them, with recycling rates under 10%. While rinsing may reduce contamination, it doesn’t make them truly recyclable. So, if recycling isn’t the answer, what’s the alternative? The search continues in the next post.  I was standing in my kitchen, holding an empty bag of chips, staring at the oily crumbs left inside. I hesitated. Do I need to rinse this out before throwing it away? I had heard it before—"Snack bags are hard to recycle, but if you wash them first, they have a better chance of being processed properly." It sounded logical. After all, food residue can contaminate recycling batches, right? But then I paused. Wait… does rinsing actually help? Or is it just something we do to feel better about throwing things away?  So, I decided to find out. Why Are Snack Bags So Hard to Recycle? Unlike simple plastic bottles, which can be mel...