two sentences about plastic bags

[I'm a Chubby Baby]

Hi, everyone. I wrote these two sentences. My biggest concern is that 'they' doesn't refer to the plastics bags that are sent to landfill sites, but refers to plastic bags. That is to say I'm worried the red 'they' doesn't refer to 'most of them', but refers to 'them'. If 'they' does refer to those sent to landfill sites, please explain why.

Also, can I omit the comma after 'consequently'? I feel there are too many commas.

Plastic bags are difficult and expensive to recycle. Consequently, after being used, most of them are sent to landfill sites. As they sit there, they break down into tiny particles, which then enter soil and pollute the? food chain.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Hi, everyone. I wrote these two sentences. My biggest concern is that 'they' doesn't refer to the plastics bags that are sent to landfill sites, but refers to plastic bags. That is to say I'm worried the red 'they' doesn't refer to 'most of them', but refers to 'them'. If 'they' does refer to those sent to landfill sites, please explain why.

Also, can I omit the comma after 'consequently'? I feel there are too many commas.

Plastic bags are difficult and expensive to recycle. Consequently, after being used, most of them are sent to landfill sites. As they sit there, they break down into tiny particles, which then enter the soil and contaminate the[STRIKE]?[/STRIKE] food chain.

It's clear that "them" and "they" refer to plastic bags.

I would just say, "which then enter the soil and food chain."

 

[I'm a Chubby Baby]

It's clear that "them" and "they" refer to plastic bags.

Thanks, Charlie. But 'they' shouldn't refer to plastic bags. It should refer to the plastic bags that are sent to landfill sites. How to fix this problem?

 

[5jj]

It's fine as it is.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Thanks, Charlie. But 'they' shouldn't refer to plastic bags. It should refer to the plastic bags that are sent to landfill sites. How to fix this problem?

Yes, and it does. It's clear which bags you mean. There is no problem.

 

[probus]

By the way, here's a footnote based on my experience in the garbage business. The idea that plastic bags break down in landfill is essentially a myth. They do, but it takes centuries, not years or even decades.