Bubble wrap & film plastic disposal in New York
What New York says to do with bubble wrap & film plastic, read off New York State DEC's own page on 2026-08-19.
New York's Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Act makes large chain and grocery stores host a film plastic collection bin — bubble wrap, air pillows, and shipping envelopes are on NYSDEC's accepted list if they are clean, dry, and free of residue. Read from New York State DEC · checked 2026-08-19
Do NOT put plastic bags and wrap in curbside recycling bins — they get tangled in equipment at facilities that recycle cans, bottles, cardboard and paper (Wisconsin DNR).
All materials must be CLEAN, DRY, and FREE OF RESIDUE — food containers, compostable bioplastics, chip bags and snack wrappers do not belong in a store film bin (NYSDEC).
Where to take it
Sites are listed in the At-store recycling program (Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Act) drop-off site finder.
The statute New York cites is ECL Article 27, Title 27; 6 NYCRR Part 351.
Counties differ — verify with your local program.
All 50 states: Is bubble wrap recyclable? — the federal baseline, what happens to it, and every state's rule with the page it was read from.