Multi-layer plastic
What items can we take?
Please shake or wipe out any crumbs. If you need to wash something to get it clean, please make sure it is completely dry before putting it in your bag!
Resealable food bags
Frozen food bags
Must be clean and completely dry
Fresh food bags
Plastic bags for dry pet food and treats
Thin wrappers with shiny lining
Plastic granola bar and energy bar wrappers
Chip bags
Plastic candy wrappers
Plastic candy bar wrappers
Ramen outer packaging
Crunchy plastic food bags
Potting soil, fertilizer, and bark bags
Must be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry
Woven plastic bags
Produce netting
Please remove any metal parts like clips or ties
What isn’t in this category?
We are unable to take thick food bags with shiny lining, any items that are dirty, or items made with paper.
Plastic film items
Plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, etc - put these in your plastic film bag! :)
Thick food bags with shiny lining
Dirty or oily items
Thick foil/metal
Aluminum foil, ramen seasoning packets, foil candy wrappers, etc
Paper bags
Mixed material with paper
Waxy cracker wrappers, paper candy wrappers, or any items that have paper or waxy layers
Metallic bubble wrap and insulated bags
Squeezable food containers
Foil drink pouches
Packaging for wet pet food
Multi-layer plastic.
The bags your frozen berries and favorite almonds come in may look and feel like they're made of only one kind of plastic, but they're actually made of multiple layers of different plastic types. These layers help keep food fresh until it's eaten, but they're notoriously difficult to recycle. That's where Ridwell comes in!
We take your multi-layer plastic items, and our partners turn them into cool new products like building materials and leach-free stormwater drainage material.
Partnering with Arqlite
Our partner Arqlite helps solve the problem of plastic waste by turning plastics we use every day into potting and hydroponic gravel. Arqlite focuses on “unrecyclable” plastics that, up until now, were typically destined for landfill or incineration because they were not easily broken down into reusable components. Using a high-grade manufacturing process, Arqlite turns multi-layer plastic, like food bags, chip bags, and granola bar wrappers, into microplastic-free and leach-free artificial stone that can be used to support plant life!
Partnering with ByFusion Global Inc
ByFusion Global, Inc. was founded in 2017 because they believe Earth is our most valuable resource. They saw plastic was on the verge of becoming one of Earth’s most devastating environmental threats and took the lead to be part of the solution. ByFusion has simplified a complex problem with a platform that converts all types of plastic waste into a high-performing, advanced building material called ByBlock, a solution that enables communities to be the change needed to solve the global plastic waste crisis.
Partnering with Hydroblox, Inc.
HydroBlox creates commercial and industrial drainage solutions. HydroBlox manufactures drainage material in the shape of long planks made from 100% landfill-bound plastic. These planks help control water flow, directing rain and stormwater from under roadways and homes back to the aquifers where they belong. HydroBlox prides itself on its environmentally friendly manufacturing process which uses no glue, binders, chemicals or exhaust heat to bind together and it does not create dust or fumes. Even the water used for cooling the material is recycled and the scrap plastic is re-recycled. HydroBlox has been named one of the top mechanical recycling companies in the world by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
FAQ
What is the difference between plastic film and multi-layer plastic?
Plastic film is made up of just one type of plastic, usually #2 or #4, and can be easily stretched with just your thumb. Multi-layer plastic is a type of material used in packaging that is made up of multiple layers of different plastic types fused together. It’s generally thicker and difficult to stretch.
How clean does MLP need to be?
Dirt, oil, food, and mold from moisture or food remnants are considered contaminants. MLP needs to be clean and completely dry before going in your bag, as contaminated items are not able to be recycled properly. We appreciate your help with this!
What happens to MLP once it is collected by Ridwell?
Ridwell processes, bales, and sends the MLP to our partners. MLP from our Seattle, South Sound, Bellingham, and Portland members goes to Arqlite to be turned into microplastic-free and leach-free artificial stone used to support plant life, or to Hydroblox to be turned into water drainage material. MLP from our Bay Area members also goes to Arqlite, while MLP from our Denver, Minneapolis, and Austin members goes to ByFusion to be turned into construction-grade building blocks. All of our partners are giving your MLP a second life!
What if I have more MLP than will fit in my Featured Category bag?
We’ll take up to 5 extra bags of MLP during your pickup! Please add-on Featured Category Beyond the Bin bags through your dashboard and place these items in your own paper or plastic bags. Label the bags "Ridwell MLP" and make sure they're securely closed for transport!
Join the movement to build a future without waste.
