Most snack chip bags are made from up to seven layers of foil and plastic. Good for companies that produce them because, these bags are light, reduce shipping volume, don’t take up much space on a shelf, and are graphics friendly. However, the downside is there’s currently no machinery to separate these layers, so they are not recyclable. Because metal is melted together with plastic, and makes recycling it difficult and cost prohibitive to separate, recyclers simply don't do it. There isn't a market for the material and if there’s not an ongoing market for the material it won’t get recycled.

Most chip bags end up in the garbage. But instead of just trashing them, here are some ideas for reuse.

There are many things you can do with potato chip bags. They are flexible and durable, paving the way for tons of alternative uses. Just like making art projects, you’ll have a blast tweaking and styling them to form useful products.

• They make really super gift bags. Turn the chip bag inside out, wash it with dish soap to rid it of any grease, and dry it. Then reuse the silvery or white side as a mylar-style gift bag. You can tie it closed with pretty ribbon that might even be left-over from another use.
• They can also be used as flat wrapping paper. Simply cut the side seam and bottom to make a larger piece (you might need more than one bag to cover a large gift).
• They make cool bike handlebar streamers. See how here: http://crafty-couple.blogspot.ca/2011/07/chip-bag-streamers.html
• Make a pinata with cereal boxes and chip bags, See how here: http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2012/12/crapty-diy-potato-chip-bag-pinata.html?m=1
• For a really fun idea, for a young child or funky teen make a chip bag purse See how here: https://onceuponacraft.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/chip-bag-purse-2/
• The silver-lined bags are great used on windows and doors on hot days to to block the sun. Also great for car windshields to keep the sun from heating up the interior. Just tape them together to get the size you need to do the job.
• Chip bags are also useful garbage bag liners (and they're headed for for the trash anyway.) To use them for that purpose, simply line your garbage receptacle with another bag that fits it and slip the chip bag into that one (the larger bag will fit the receptacle while the chip bag catches the trash). Then, simply remove the chip bag when full and add it to your trash bag.

For more great ideas google 'what to do with chip bags'.