Plastic #4 (LDPE)
What Should I Do With It?
Plastic #4, also known as low-density polyethylene or LDPE, is a highly versatile plastic used to manufacture squeeze bottles, grocery bags, bread bags, and bubble wrap. While rigid LDPE containers are widely accepted in standard curbside recycling programs, thin plastic films are a major hazard for sorting machinery. These lightweight materials easily catch in the rotating gears of recycling equipment, causing frequent maintenance delays and safety risks for workers. To prevent these issues and stop light plastic from blowing into the environment where it can leach chemicals, always keep thin bags out of curbside bins and instead take them to local retail drop-off sites to be recycled into plastic lumber or trash liners.
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.