Plastic Bags and Film
Do not place plastic bags or film into your recycling cart.
Return plastic bags and appropriate film to a retailer.
On this page you will find:
- A list of retailers offering plastic bag recycling
- A reminder that plastic bags can be donated to pantries and thrift stores
- The kinds of plastic bags that are usually accepted for recycling at retailers
- The reason why Madison can't ban plastic bags like other places
- Another other options for plastic bags?
What Plastic Bags Can I Recycle at Retailers?
There may be some variations to these rules depending on where you want to take your bags. Check with the retailer you want to visit to be sure you know their specific rules if any exist.
Most recycled plastic bags are turned into plastic lumber or used as an alternative fuel source; however there may be other vendors receiving your bags from the retailer you prefer that requires a slightly different set of rules.
In general, bags and film must be
- Empty
- Clean
- Dry
Commonly accepted bags are:
- Grocery and retail bags
- Newspaper delivery bags
- Clean & dry bags labeled #2 and #4
- Some plastic film wrapping from plastic water and beverage bottle casing
- Some large pillow packing bubbles (pop the pillows)
- Dry cleaning bags
Plastic Bag Recycling Retailers
This list is not exhaustive.
Other options may exist locally, including branches of other chain stores in the surrounding cities (Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Verona, etc.).
| Store | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Center Foods | 111 N. Broom Street | 608-255-2616 |
| Festival Foods | 801 E. Washington Ave | 608-709-1976 |
| Pick `n Save | 3010 Cahill Main | 608-271-2024 |
| Pick `n Save | 1312 S. Park Street | 608-257-3748 |
| Pick `n Save | 2502 Shopko Drive | 608-243-1000 |
| Pick `n Save | 6655 McKee Rd | 608-410-7050 |
| HyVee | 3801 E. Washington Ave | 608-244-4696 |
| HyVee | 675 S. Whitney Way | 608-277-6735 |
| Kohl's | 7401 West Towne Way | 608-833-9293 |
| Metcalfe's | 726 N. Midvale Blvd | 608-238-7612 |
| Metcalfe's | 7455 Mineral Point Rd | 608-829-3500 |
| Metro Market | 6010 Cottage Grove Rd | 608-223-0939 |
| Metro Market | 261 Junction Rd | 608-829-2020 |
| Metro Market | 6540 Monona Drive | 608-222-9575 |
| Metro Market | 3650 University Ave | 608-231-6935 |
| Trader Joe's | 1810 Monroe Street | 608-257-1916 |
| Walmart | 7202 Watts Rd | 608-276-9393 |
| Walmart | 4198 Nakoosa Trail | 608-241-8808 |
| Woodman's | 3817 Milwaukee Street | 608-244-6630 |
| Woodman's | 725 S Gammon Rd | 608-274-8944 |
| Target | 4301 Lien Rd | 608-244-4527 |
| Target | 750 Hilldale Way | 608-807-3978 |
| Target | 201 Junction Rd | 608-827-8800 |
| Target | 6321 McKee Rd | 608-819-1522 |
If you find a store that now accepts plastic bags and film for recycling that's within the City of Madison that's not listed above, let us know.
If you do not see the store, you like shopping at on this list, speak with that store's management about adding this service.
(list updated 11/24/2025)
Plastic film and bags not usually recyclable
- Online shopping shipment bags (often a thick white or gray bag)
- Mulch bags
- Pet food bags
- Kitty litter bags
- Food wrap
- Softener salt bags
- Wrapping from meat products
- Plastic shrink wrap from around electronics
- Thick plastic film from furniture deliveries
- Dark green or black trash bags
- Compostable bioplastic film
- Bubble wrap
- Drawstring bags
Donate plastic grocery bags
Food pantries and thrift stores often accept plastic bag donations for their operations.
Check with the organization you wish to support before taking bags to them for donation.
Why won't the city ban plastic bags?
Current state law prohibits municipalities from banning plastic bags.
Other plastic bag options?
Avoid creating this waste whenever possible. Less waste is best - this is true for all of the waste we make, especially plastic bags. So if you are rethinking your use of this material, your first step is to refuse those bags whenever you can.
Choose other options for your bagging needs, like reusables. They can anything from canvas totes to reusable mesh produce bags to other reusable, durable containers to carry your stuff again and again.
Also if you're just picking up one or two easy to carry things - maybe just carry it and so no to the bag.
You can also choose paper bags for their ease of recycling.
If you have plastic bags, look for ways to extend their useful life so they are not single use, such as drying and reusing freezer or sandwich bags.