Mylar bags are the perfect solution for long-term food storage. They’re tough, durable and reusable. However, like any other container or packaging material, there will come a time when you need to decide whether to recycle it or repurpose it for another use. In this article, we’ll explore your options for reusing and recycling Mylar bags.
What are Mylar Bags Made Of
Mylar bags are the gold standard for long-term food storage. They were originally used for NASA space programs, but have been around since the 1960s. They are heavy-duty aluminum foil laminated with a plastic coating (usually polyester). The main benefit of mylar bags is they block moisture and light, which means they can preserve the quality of your food much longer than any other kind of packaging. Because of the metal in the material, some people wonder, are mylar bags safe for food storage? Absolutely. Aluminum foil is used, which is considered food safe, and that foil is further protected by the plastic coating.
Food stored in mylar bags will last 20 years or more when properly sealed in buckets. That said, mylar bags can be more expensive than other options because they’re usually more durable, offer better protection and are often easier to use. Because they cost a bit more, its good to ask- are mylar bags reusable?
Are Mylar Bags Reusable? Reusing Mylar Bags:
One of the primary benefits of using Mylar bags is that they’re so versatile. You can use them to package everything from your leftover candy bars to your fresh fruit and vegetables you picked from your garden.
Once you’ve finished using the bag, you can hand wash the bag in warm soapy water and then allow it to dry completely before using it again. This is one of the easiest ways to reuse and recycle your Mylar bags.
However, if you’ve used the bag to package something that cannot be washed — such as a motor oil filter — then you should discard it immediately after use because it cannot be reused. The same applies if the bag has been compromised (for example, if it has been torn or punctured). You should also discard any bags that have been exposed to hazardous chemicals or material that could potentially contaminate the inside of the bag during
Mylar Bags Durability
Mylar bags are not completely impervious to damage. If the bag has been punctured or if it has been torn, you should discard it immediately. Water will get into any damaged areas, ruining the contents and making it impossible to reseal the bag properly. Mylar is not particularly durable when it comes in contact with sharp objects; even a small rip can cause a large area of damage over time. If you store your mylar bags somewhere that there might be sharp or rough objects nearby, keep them in a safe container where they cannot be punctured or scratched by metal or wood surfaces. If compromised, you will probably want to consider recycling mylar bags, instead of reusing them.
Are Mylar Bags Recyclable?
Mylar typically cannot be recycled by most municipal recycling companies because it is made up of two substances that cannot be separated without destroying the properties of the material itself. The best option for recycling has always been to reuse an item. The second best option is to repurpose the item. The reflective nature of mylar makes it a good insulator, as used by Nasa in their space suits, and as used in emergency blankets.
If your mylar material has been severely compromised though, and you can no longer get any use out of it, but don’t want it to end up in a landfill, you have the option to send your mylar to Terecycle, which is a company that has made it their goal and mission to recycle just about anything, even things that most companies can’t or won’t recycle due to cost, such as mylar.
Can You Reseal Mylar Bags?
Mylar bags have many benefits, but one that often gets overlooked is how easy it is to reseal them. The main benefit of a mylar bag is its ability to keep whatever you put inside it fresh for longer; if you can’t reseal it, then this benefit is lost.
So yes – you can reseal mylar bags! But how?
Heat Sealing Mylar Bags:
The easiest and most effective way to reseal a mylar bag is to heat seal it. To do this, you can use an impulse sealer or a heat sealer. These tools will apply pressure and heat to the top of the bag, which will melt the plastic together so that the bag becomes sealed once more. You can also seal mylar bags with an iron, if you don’t want to invest in these other machines. Heat sealing works best with food-grade pouches.
Zipper Resealing Mylar Bags:
Many mylar bags have a zipper top, which can be used to open and close the bags. This is handy for having an open container that you don’t use all at once for things like rice, oatmeal, or other such food products. It’s nice to be able to reseal them. However, these zippers should not be the main way people seal these bags for long term storage. You should heat seal mylar bags if you intend to store them for long periods of time.
Mylar Bags Environmental Impact:
The environmental impact of mylar bags is relatively low, when one considers the fact that they are reusable. Each time you reuse a mylar bag, you are using fewer natural resources than required in the production of a new storage bag.
On the one hand, because of the durable materials they’re made from, and their difficulty to recycle, these bags will take a very long time to degrade in landfills.
Quick Recap About Mylar Bag Reuse and Recycling:
Are Mylar Bags Reusable?
Yes, as long as the bags have not been punctured or compromised, and as long as there were no hazardous chemicals stored inside, mylar bags can be cleaned and reused.
Can Mylar Bags be Recycled?
Mylar cannot be recycled by most municipal recycling companies because it is made up of two substances that cannot be separated without destroying the properties of the material itself. There is the option to send them to Terecycle if you really want to recycle them though.
Can You Reseal Mylar Bags?
Yes, but be sure to heat seal them, not zipper seal them, if you intend to reseal them for long term storage.
Keep Learning
Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.
