In recent times, consumers worldwide have become conscious of the impact of plastic bags on the environment, and increasingly call for retail chains to recycle their plastic bags and items.
Since Target is one of the largest retail chains in the U.S., with 1900+ stores across the country, you may want to know if Target recycles plastic bags. Here is everything I’ve found out about this!
Does Target Recycle Plastic Bags?
Target recycles carrier bags since these are 100% recyclable and contain 40% recycled materials. You can also recycle plastic bags and other items at in-store kiosks. Alternatively, Target offers a range of reusable bags and paper bags and a 5-cent discount for using these at checkout.
If you want to learn more about which bags at Target are recyclable, what other alternatives to plastic bags Target offers, and whether you can recycle plastic items at Target stores, keep on reading!
Which Plastic Bags Can You Recycle At Target?
Target recycles all kinds of plastic bags distributed at its checkout.
The retail company manufactures retail bags with recyclable materials, which help bags to decompose quicker, and its standard single-use carrier bags are made from 40% less plastic.
Additionally, the Ziploc-branded bags sold at Target are also fully recyclable, but you have to make sure the bag is clean and dry before popping it in the recycle bin.
Does Target Offer Plastic Bag Alternatives?
In 2020, Target announced its membership with the “Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bad” in partnership with Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy alongside retail leaders such as CVS Health, Walmart, Walgreens, and Kroger.
As part of this, Target sells a wide range of reusable bags that suit all shoppers (see below) and are made from sturdy materials.
The company makes sure its reusable bags are both recyclable and durable so that these can be reused for a long time by consumers.
Aside from single-use plastic carrier bags, Target also offers entirely recyclable paper bags.
Does Target Charge For Bags?
Target charges 99 cents for its durable and reusable bags designed with the company’s red bullseye logo.
However, the general cost of plastic bags in the U.S. recently rose to 8 to 10 cents, with prices varying from state to state.
If you’re looking for something that looks better, Target also sells geometrically patterned reusable tote bags for $1.99. Game of Thrones fans will be delighted to discover a range of themed bags costing $9.99 each.
Additionally, family shoppers can purchase reusable bags in bulk online with 10-24 Juvale grocery bags costing $10.99-$20.99.
The Packit Freezable grocery bag is sold by Target for $25.49-$29.99.
Target has also introduced an initiative that encourages customers to use their own bags by offering a 5-cent discount for each reusable bag used.
Can I Recycle Plastic Bags And Other Items At Target?
Since 2010, Target has facilitated recycling kiosks at store locations to help customers quickly and ethically dispose of recyclable cans, glass, plastic bags (including their own), and bottles.
You’ll also find a section to recycle old MP3 players, ink cartridges, and cell phones to prevent these items from ending up in landfills.
Twice a year, the company encourages customers to participate in the popular car seat trade-in program.
As part of this, you can receive coupons or trade-in deals when you bring in an unwanted car seat.
In return, Target will take on the task of recycling the car seats. As of now, Target has recycled over 1,100,000 car seats (around 17 million pounds (lbs) of plastic)!
Does Target Recycle Other Plastics?
Since cotton products contribute significantly to the degradation of the environment, Target uses sustainable cotton on many products and aims to use 100% sustainable cotton by 2022.
Along with that, most general goods at Target are packaged with 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials, with the company aiming to recycle all plastics by 2025.
Target has also launched a new forest-products policy that ensures ethical sourcing of wood, paper, paper-based packaging, and wood-based fiber.
Additionally, the retail chain consistently explores ways to utilize recyclable textile technologies to influence its apparel brands positively.
To learn more, you can also see our related posts on whether or not Walmart recycles plastic bags, if Target has bottle return, if Target recycles batteries, and if Home Depot recycles light bulbs.
Conclusion
Target recycles plastic bags used at checkout as these are made with 40% recyclable materials.
As an alternative, Target substitutes plastic bags for paper ones and offers a variety of reusable bags for 99 cents and above.
Additionally, Target provides kiosks where customers can recycle plastic bags, bottles, cans, electronics, and car seats.
