As the era of plastic sacks is quickly ending the need to properly fill recycle bags is becoming more relevant. In the past, courtesy clerks have been known to lightly fill plastic bags with between three and four items. Not only is this method wasteful in terms of space, it also leads to an alarming use in plastic bags. By properly filling recycle bags, however, the amount of plastic bag use among consumers is likely to decline.

Most consumers who utilize reusable bags own between three and six of them. These shoppers are finding they must re-school courtesy clerks in the art of filling their recycle bags. For example, a clerk is most likely to place a couple of two-liter bottles into a single bag when recycle bags can typically hold at least four bottles. Additionally, larger items such as a gallon of milk do not require a bag at all. In order to avoid using the plastic bags, the reusable bags must be packed properly.

In all, there are three general principles when it comes to packing recycle bags.

Heavy Items First

Because heavy items have been known to squish other grocery items, it is best to place them in the bottom of the recycle bags first. When doing so, however, be sure not to place too many heavy items in any one bag. Otherwise, the bag will be too heavy to carry.

Keep Like Items Together

When packing the recycle bags, it is still important to keep like items together. For example, frozen items, dry goods and meat products typically call for separate bags. It is also important to separately bag cleaning items and to keep meat and produce apart when bagging.

Stand Up Boxes

Boxes of cereal and other dry goods should be stood on end in the reusable bag. This method optimizes space making more room for other items. Also, keep in mind that some boxed items are large enough they may not need a bag.

By keeping these principles in mind, you can best utilize your recycle bags. And while it may take time to learn this more frugal approach to bagging, the end result is less plastic bags use and that is something we can all be proud of.