Reusable Shopping Bags Alternative ways to recycle Put in Garbage 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.