Keep reusable bags handy, know how to get rid of the plastic ones.

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RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Industry-funded research claims that plastic bag and plastic wrap recycling is up 27 percent since 2005. An estimated 830 million pounds of this type of plastic were recovered for recycling between 2005 and 2007, according to the report. The number is likely even higher now, because more stores offer plastic bag drop-off locations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are used each year in this country.

THE DETAILS: The Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council commissioned the report, which was conducted by Moore Recycling Associates. Most of the recovered plastics are sent overseas to be melted down and turned into other products such as composite lumber, deck materials, and more plastic bags.

WHAT IT MEANS: It’s great that people are recycling, but this is a classic example of precycling—reducing the need for a product in the first place—being the preferred choice. Although millions of the bags are now finding their way to recycling centers, even more are winding up in landfills. Or worse, in the ocean, where marine creatures like sea birds and whales confuse the plastic with food. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and die when the bags block their digestive system. The Ocean Conservancy estimates plastic bags are responsible for thousands of marine animal deaths each year.

Here’s how to deal with those pesky plastic bags: