Paper Bags
What Should I Do With It?
Paper bags are a staple for grocery shopping, school lunches, and pharmacies. Fortunately, they can easily be recycled as mixed paper through most curbside recycling programs, provided they are empty, free of grease, and stripped of any non-paper handles. You don't need to worry about handles attached with adhesive; a small amount of glue won't contaminate the recycling process. However, if the handles are made of a different material, just tear them off before tossing the bag in the bin. Of course, the best option is to skip paper bags altogether and bring your own reusable ones, which significantly cuts down on waste before it even starts.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.