Trex introduces a plastic recycling dropoff directory
Amid increasing concern regarding plastic bag and film recycling, Trex Company is making it easier for Americans to responsibly dispose of plastic film waste.
The manufacturer of composite decking and railing has launched the NexTrex - Plastic Recycling Drop-Off Directory, an online searchable platform dedicated to connecting eco-minded Americans with Trex recycling partners in their local communities. With locations in all 50 states, the nationwide directory aims to help individuals divert plastic bag and film waste from landfills and waterways.
“Plastic film is a tricky material that cannot be recycled in curbside bins with other recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard and glass,” explained Stephanie Hicks, materials and recycling programs manager for Trex. “The NexTrex program offers a simple way for people to dispose of flexible plastic waste responsibly and confidently. When you drop off plastic bags and film at a NexTrex recycling location, you know exactly where those materials are going and how they will be used.”
Trex uses recycled polyethylene (PE) plastic as a core ingredient in its composite decking, which the company says is made from up to 95 percent recycled and reclaimed materials. The company reclaims and repurposes more than 300 million pounds of discarded plastic material annually.
Among its primary sources are grocery stores and other retailers who partner with Trex to responsibly dispose of shrink wrap, pallet wrap and other flexible plastic materials used in their operations. More than 10,000 of these stores also serve as public-facing drop-off locations with dedicated bins posted in their stores where local community members can recycle plastic bag and film materials that qualify to be used by Trex. These include everyday items such as grocery/retail bags, produce bags, sandwich bags, case overwrap, plastic wrap from paper towels and toilet paper, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaner bags, bubble wrap and flexible shipping pouches. (Here's a full list of qualifying materials.)
Through the new NexTrex Plastic Recycling Drop-off Directory, people can simply type in their city, state or Zip code to find NexTrex recycling partners in their area. The directory currently includes approximately 10,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. New locations will be added as more retailers join the NexTrex program. The directory site also invites visitors to suggest alternate locations and provide feedback for program improvements.
“This directory reinforces Trex’s involvement in the entire recycling process, from the collection and processing of plastic film to the creation of sustainable outdoor living products,” noted Dave Heglas, senior director, recycled materials for Trex. “Unlike other retail recycling programs, we actively manage the process from start to finish to ensure the plastics that are dropped off at our partner locations successfully.”
“We are proud to be a successful proof-of-concept that, when done properly and mindfully, plastic recycling is absolutely viable and not a myth,” added Hicks. “Our goal is to make the world a better place one plastic bag at a time.”
