Plastic grocery bags are comprised of polyethylene, a petroleum-based product, and are 100 percent recyclable.
According to the American Chemistry Council, plastic grocery bags use up to 70 percent less energy to produce than paper grocery bags.
Plastic bags occupy less space in landfills and generate fewer pollutants and greenhouse gasses than paper bags.
Although plastic bag recycling is relatively low, over 800 million pounds of plastic are recycled in the United States annually. According to the American Chemistry Council, that number continues to grow.
Recycled plastic bags are often made into lumber used for benches, decking, fences and new plastic bags.