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Fri, May. 23, 2008

Is it Harmful to Burn Plastic Bags?

Posted by
Joshua Myrvaagnes
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Hi,

I have been looking for information on burning hdpe and ldpe bags and haven't found anything. I wrote a little article on the subject for my sustainability-related newsletter, putting in the information I could find, but there were further questions. My municipality, Yonkers, NY, doesn't recycle plastic bags even if they are of the same material as other things that they do recycle (hdpe) and only recycles #'s 1 and 2. For the rest I'd like to do something better than put them in a landfill, and burning seems like one option. However, does burning these bags release benzine rings? are the (frequently yellow and tan) dyes used to make these as persistent as, say, Yellow 5 and other things equally harmful? If they're burned in a fire pit, is there harmful off-gassing or do they stay pretty much in the fire pit? Is there a good source for information on this subject?

Thanks very much.

Sincerely,

Joshua
Yonkers, NY

Comments (4)

Mon, Jul. 14, 2008 Posted by: GreenScribe

Burning Plastic Bags creates DIOXIN!!

Do NOT Burn plastic bags! It creates one of the most toxic chemicals known: DIOXIN. PLEASE be careful NOT to take plastic bags from stores. It's easy enough to start a habit of bringing your own organic bag (not one made of polypropelene- which is plastic that looks like cloth!). Plastic NEVER biodegrades - and even if it's made into something else, eventually, it will break apart and be thrown "away" - where is away??

We must get into a good habit of bringing our own bags - not just to the grocery, but to every other store where you would take a bag. A new habit takes a little practice, but you'll feel really good when you walk out with your own bags! If you want some really nice organic, fairtrade bags with messages about sustainability check out the site: www.SustainableBags.Net.

And, if you forget your bags, just put your groceries back in the cart, and then empty them in a box you leave in your vehicle!

Thu, Jul. 10, 2008 Posted by: angibarnett

Google MSDS for various safety info

You can always google the term MSDS with the product - "LDPE" or "HDPE" in this case.

Burning releases water & CO2 under normal conditions with a foul odor that has not been linked to any specific pollutant or health hazard (no one has funded the study yet - not equivalent to "safe"). If burned with little oxygen, carbon monoxide will result.

This does NOT account for anything in the inks on the bag or any additives (Plasticizers, colorants, etc.) in the bags. This very well may include things you do not want to breathe.

I agree that reusing & recycling are best options. I've seen very cute woven "breadsack" floor mats.

Mon, Jun. 23, 2008 Posted by: EmpJoy

Crochet anyone?

RecycleCindy has a great blog about using those bags to create wonderful handbags. It's a great way to reuse them even if they have holes in them. If you know how to crochet or want to see them you should check out her blog!

Mon, Jun. 16, 2008 Posted by: AlbanerderGrosse

Super Shop and Stop in

Super Shop and Stop in Yonkers (10704) has a plastic bag recycling bin (2 of them) at the entrance.

Great place to buy organic products as well.

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