How to Recycle Juice Bags

Attention to environmental issues has been promoted by activists, scientists and corporations with an interest in reusing materials. The production of plastics is responsible for 8 percent of the world's annual petroleum use. The plastics used in soda bottles and milk containers are easily recyclable, but other complex plastics such as the plastic used in juice pouches cannot be recycled by neighborhood collection agencies. Fortunately, companies that reuse materials that cannot be recycled normally are beginning to emerge.

• 1

  Research the recycling rules in your neighborhood. If you have a roadside collection agency, contact the company in charge of the collection and ask if they are able to handle materials such as juice bags. If they are unable to deal with the packages, ask if they would be willing to collaborate in an effort to make this possible.

• 2

  Explore the TerraCycle recycling options. TerraCycle leads several efforts to reduce waste in materials that cannot be recycled. Consider commonly used materials not accepted by roadside recycling collections. Refer to the TerraCycle home page to see options available for reusing materials that cannot be recycled.

• 3

  Register for TerraCycle brigades. TerraCycle will pay a fixed rate for the materials you collect. Click the link for the juice pouches brigade, then click "Join This Brigade." Complete the form and follow the instructions to set up a local TerraCycle chapter.

• 4

  Spread the word that you are collecting juice pouches. Inform neighbors of your access to an environmentally friendly option for used juice bags. Coordinate with local schools and roadside collections to expand the breadth of your recycling prowess.