Questions about the proposed Hilo incinerator

[Bob Orts]

Daniel, plastic bags #2 & #4 are recyclable. The main problem is they will clog and can damage the machinery used in normal waste recycling, so they are not normally accepted in standard curbside recycling programs. They also tend to mix readily with other commodities resulting in reduced value or rejection of some recyclable material contaminated with bits and pieces of torn plastic bags. The other issue is 20-yard receptacle full of plastic bags might only produce a small box of recyclable material when processed for recycling. Unless the buyer is close by, it's economically unfeasible to ship this product to a remanufacture.

On the mainland several communities now require plastic bag recycling from large retailers and supermarkets. You will find big bins in front of the stores for deposit of used plastic bags.

For additional info on the various programs check out plasticbagrecycling.org