Amid increasing concern related to plastic bag and film recycling, Trex Company is making it easier than ever for Americans to responsibly dispose of plastic film waste. The manufacturer of composite decking and railing launched the NexTrex® Plastic Recycling Drop-Off directory, the country’s only 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 fills a gap in the marketplace, offering a comprehensive resource that empowers individuals to contribute to a greener planet by diverting plastic bag and film waste from landfills and waterways.
“Plastic film is a 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 Company. “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.”
Since first inventing composite decking, Trex has built a successful business from recycled polyethylene (PE) plastic, a core ingredient in its world-famous composite decking, which is made from up to 95 percent recycled and reclaimed materials. One of the largest recyclers of PE film in North America, 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. A full list of qualifying materials can be found at www.NexTrex.com.
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 continue to 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.