[00]Question and answer
Can Plastic Garbage Bags Be Recycled?
The material can be: polyethylene is a thermoplastic that can be melted again. Whether a used bag actually gets recycled depends on collection. As a manufacturer, MIRPACK sits at the other end of that chain, buying recycled granule for its own film.
- 01polymer family: PE
- 1
- 02film with recycled granule, from
- 20µm
- 03secondary raw materials registry
- 2025
The short answer: the material yes, the used bag it depends
Garbage bags are made of polyethylene. It is a thermoplastic: it softens when heated and sets again when cooled, so clean film can be melted down, granulated and extruded into new film.
A used bag is a different matter. It reaches recycling only if it is collected as a separate stream and is not mixed with the waste it held. That depends on the local collection system, not on the bag.
What makes polyethylene film suitable for recycling
- 01
One polymer family
HDPE, LDPE and MDPE are all polyethylene, differing in density; a bag made from them is one family of material.
- 02
Thermoplastic behavior
The film can be remelted rather than burned off, which is what makes granule recovery possible.
- 03
A buyer for the granule
Recycling needs an end user. Film extruders that accept recycled granule close the loop.
How recycled polyethylene enters our plant
| Item | What we state |
|---|---|
| What we buy | Recycled LDPE granule; granule from stretch film |
| Granule colors | Black, white, colored |
| Where it goes | Our own extrusion, film from 20 µm |
| Who we buy from | Direct producers only |
| Registry | Ministry of Industry and Trade registry of work with secondary raw materials, entries of 12.11.2025 |
HDPE, LDPE and MDPE side by side
How the three polyethylenes and two-layer AB film differ in feel, stretch and strength.
Schematic: how the film behaves under a pull
High-density polyethylene
Matte, rustles, thin and strong against tearing at a low gauge, hardly stretches. More sensitive to punctures.
- Matte surface
- Hardly stretches
- Strong at low gauge
- Thickness
- 7–40 µm
- Volumes
- 30–120 L
Schematic: how the film behaves under a pull
Low-density polyethylene
Smooth, glossy and elastic; it stretches and holds sharp and heavy waste and construction debris better.
- Glossy surface
- Stretches
- Takes sharp and heavy waste
- Thickness
- 25–120 µm
- Volumes
- 30–480 L
Schematic: how the film behaves under a pull
Medium-density polyethylene
An intermediate option between HDPE and LDPE in its properties.
- Between HDPE and LDPE
- Moderate stretch
- Rolls 30–240 L
- Thickness
- 14–40 µm
- Volumes
- 30–240 L
Schematic: how the film behaves under a pull
Two-layer AB film
Two layers of different composition in one film tube give strength at a smaller thickness.
- Two layers
- Strength at smaller gauge
- Rolls 30–480 L
- Thickness
- 30–100 µm
- Volumes
- 30–480 L
If you produce recycled granule
The MIRPACK purchasing department works directly with producers of recycled LDPE granule and stretch-film granule. Send your offer to zakupki@mirpack.ru or call +7 (920) 870-07-37.
Buyers of garbage bags who need to know whether a particular item contains recycled granule should ask their sales manager at zakaz@mirpack.ru.
Recycling plastic garbage bags: questions
Are garbage bags made of one material?
Our bags are polyethylene: HDPE, LDPE, MDPE or two-layer AB film of two polyethylene layers.
Does MIRPACK use recycled material?
Yes. The plant buys recycled LDPE granule and stretch-film granule for its own extrusion of film from 20 µm.
Is the plant in an official registry?
Yes, in the Ministry of Industry and Trade registry of work with secondary raw materials, entries dated 12.11.2025.
Who should granule suppliers contact?
The purchasing department: zakupki@mirpack.ru, +7 (920) 870-07-37. We buy only from direct producers.
[RFQ]Request for quotation
Tell us the bag, the volume and the delivery point
We reply within one working day with prices, stock and shipping options from the plant in Zhukov.