Here’s how you can recycle three hard-to-recycle items

Did you know there are local recycling outlets for three common household items that can’t be mixed with other recyclables in our curbside recycling program? That’s right, there are easy and convenient ways to drop off plastic film, household batteries and light bulbs for recycling right here in the Rogue Valley.

Plastic Film

Plastic film — like zip-top storage bags, retail grocery bags, bread wrappers and dry-cleaning bags — are difficult to collect and process, especially when mixed in with other materials. That’s why they’re not allowed in the curbside recycling cart. But when kept completely separated from other materials, different types of plastic film can be recycled.

To find locations where your collected plastic film items can be dropped off for recycling, click here and enter your address or zip code.

Here’s a list of plastic film products often accepted for recycling at grocery stores and other locations:

Plastic bags used for retail, carryout, produce, newspaper, bread, and dry cleaning (must be clean, dry, and free or receipts and clothes hangers)

• Zip-top food and storage bags (must be clean and dry)
• Plastic shipping envelopes (labels must be removed)
• Bubble wrap and air pillows (must be deflated)
• Plastic wrap used on cases of water and soda bottles, paper towels, napkins, disposable cups, toilet paper, and diapers
• Plastic wrap around furniture and electronics
• Plastic cereal box liners (unless it tears like paper, then don’t include)

Use this link to check for participating retailers. Then next time you head to the grocery store, take your acceptable plastic film with you and drop it off.

Do not include these types of plastics:

• Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
• Pre-washed salad mix bags
• Frozen food bags
• Candy bar wrappers
• Potato chip and other snack bags
• Six-pack rings

Household Batteries

If you have household batteries to dispose of, Batteries Plus stores accept a wide variety of types and sizes for safe recycling.

To find locations where your batteries can be dropped off for recycling, click here and enter your address or zip code.

*Please be aware that fees may apply and are based on location

Batteries Plus Bulbs accepts the following types of batteries:

• Lead Acid — batteries that power vehicles
• Nickel Cadmium — batteries that power rechargeable devices, like cordless phones, drills, camcorders, tool battery packs and more
• Nickel Metal Hydride — batteries that power emergency lights, flashlights, cameras, barcode scanners and more
• Lithium Ion & Polymer — batteries that power cell phones, laptops, scanners, watches and more
• Household — batteries that power toys, remote controls, flashlights, video game controllers, wireless headsets and more
• Specialty — batteries that power everything from watches and key fobs to hearing aids, medical devices, bathroom scales and more

Please note that all household batteries, with the exception of lead acid vehicle batteries, are also accepted at Rogue Disposal & Recycling’s annual Household Hazardous Waste event.

Lightbulbs

Batteries Plus Bulbs also accepts lightbulbs for recycling — including LED, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), ballasts, traditional incandescent bulbs and more.

To find locations where your lightbulbs can be dropped off for recycling, click here and enter your address or zip code.

*Please be aware that fees may apply and are based on location

Please note that certain types of lightbulbs can be dropped off for recycling at the Transfer Station, for a fee. This includes fluorescent tubes and bulbs, LED bulbs, incandescent bulbs, arc and UV bulbs, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and sodium bulbs.