Reusable Shopping Bags Alternative ways to recycle Donate or Sell if Usable Do Not Put In Recycling Sell or Donate Usable Bags If your bag is still in usable condition, consider selling, donating, or gifting it. To find local donation locations, check out the NYS Reuse Locator Map. Repair Small Tears If your bag is made of fabric, try repairing it! Compost Canvas, Jute & Hemp Worn down canvas, cotton, jute or hemp bags can be cut into strips and added to your compost since they’re made from biodegradable plant fibers. Alternative Ways to Recycle ChicoBag Repurposing Program Send back old, reusable shopping bags (any material, any brand) to ChicoBag’s Zero Waste Program. Mail them to: ChicoBag Company C/O Zero Waste Program 747 Fortress Street Chico, CA 95973 Did You Know? Coastal Land Litter Conventional plastic bags are among the top 10 items found most frequently during coastal cleanups. Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to break down, though because they are plastic, they will never degrade completely.