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1. Can the plastic bags be recycled in the conventional recycling cart?

Plastic bags can only be recycled through the State's "In-Store" Recycling Program, where approximately 5% to 10% of bags are recycled. Unfortunately, recycling equipment cannot take plastic bags and in fact become jammed in conventional recycling equipment.

2. What happens to plastic bags if they end up in the garbage?

Plastic bags that end up in the garbage are transported to a nearby landfill. Plastic bags that stay in place will take at least 500 years to photo degrade, especially if they are buried deep beneath debris. Unfortunately many of the bags that are dumped in the landfill blow away and are caught in the fencing surrounding landfills such as Keller Canyon in Pittsburg. The cost to remove these bags is incurred by trash and recycling ratepayers.

3. What is the Town of Danville doing to encourage the use of reusable bags?

In an effort to promote the use of reusable bags in Danville retail establishments, the Town is distributing 10,000 reusable shopping bags free of charge to local residents. These bags will be distributed through the Danville Farmers' Market on Saturdays and other special events. The reusable bags are part of an economic development effort and feature the Shop Danville brand, reminding residents to shop locally.