Dear Proper Green,
How can I recycle the plastic wrappers on candy bars and energy bars?
- Patti. K
How can I recycle the plastic wrappers on candy bars and energy bars?
- Patti. K
Dear Patti,
While we'd love to tell you candy wrappers can go right into your curbside recycling bin, the packaging for your sweet treats are a bit complicated. Most candy wrappers are made from a mix of materials, which currently makes the recycling (the recovery of the useful materials) not only difficult, but expensive.
So what's an eco-conscious sweet-toother to do? Upcycle!
If you're crafty, take a look around the web for some great ideas on what to do with your colorful wrappers. We found some really wearable jewelry ideas from ecouterre and everything from headbands and belts, to purses and ornaments on Pinterest.
If you're less artistically inclined (like Proper Green here), you've still got options. Collect your wrappers for a DIY activity for children, or start a collection for the Candy Wrapper Brigade® at TerraCycle®. TerraCycle accepts your candy wrappers (and some other hard-to-recycle items!).
Read more about candy wrappers in Live Green's Recycling Mysteries: Candy Wrappers.
What steps have you taken to recycle something that your local municipality doesn't accept in your curbside bin? Share your story and any tips in the comments below!
About Proper Green
Proper Green is Recyclebank's green advice column. From promoting good manners in a green world (because ideas about what constitutes proper behavior and the environment are still evolving) to providing easy ways to make your every day more sustainable, Proper Green aims to help smooth the way with answers to questions that are important to you!
Do you have a question for Proper Green? Send inquiries to propergreen@recyclebank.com. Please note: Questions may be edited for clarity and length.
