Remember, the number only tells the general class of plastic resin used, there are many subcategories. Many suppliers include the cost of taking back the bags in the store's purchase price. Sometimes the returned bags are used to make items such as garbage bags and plastic sheets used in agriculture. All stores that use plastic bags are required by State law to offer customers paper bags as well. Go to the Free Brochures page to order a kit that will help you inform stores of the law.
Many people look at packaging and narrow the issue down to recycling versus garbage.
If you really want to recycle other plastics, the Wilsonville Thriftway and Nature's Northwest Stores are currently collecting some other plastics, but there are no guarantees on how long these programs will continue. Call them for a current list of what they are accepting. Clackamas County haulers collect all plastic bottles, except those that held hazardous waste such as motor oil or pesticides. A bottle is any container with a neck or a screw-on top. More Plastics Plastics recycling can be complicated, to say the least.