Argyle MagnetMiddle School

Plastic Film Recycling

Plastic Film Recycling Challenge

The Challenge began 2006 as a way to educate students and public about plastic film recycling

The objective of the ‘Challenge’ is to:– Educate about the importance of recycling – Keep plastic out of the landfills

Approximately 350 schools nationwide participate

What you know about the Challenge?

…you bring your plastic bags and films to school to put in the recycling bin

…your school receives a birdhouse for participating

…you are competing against other local schools to win a bench for your school

Recyclables to include:

Grocery bags Case overwrap Bread bags Dry Cleaning bags Newspaper sleeves Produce bags Cereal bags Paper towel / toilet paper overwrap Ziploc or reclosable bags Bubble wrap Ice bags (DRY – without metal

clips) Mattress bags Wood Pellet bags Furniture foam wrap Stretch film and Pallet wrap

How is plastic film collected?

Trex partners with grocery stores, retailers and businesses in the US and Canada

Businesses and retailers collect:

– Pallet wrap / stretch film– Furniture wrap– Mattress bags– Other polyethylene films

How is plastic film collected?

Grocery stores collect:– Grocery bags and other

film recyclables returned by consumers

– Pallet wrap – Case overwrap

But…What is Trex and why does Trex want plastic film?

Simply, Trex is a decking board made from recycling plastic bags and sawdust

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Flow of plastic film from Recycling Bin to Trex:

Recycling bin at school

Grocery Store Grocery distribution center

Loose plastic is baled at the

distribution center

Bales are loaded on a tractor trailer for shipping

What happens to the plastic once it reaches Trex?

1. Plastic is sorted for contaminates and shredded

How is Trex made?

2. Plastic fluff and sawdust are combined, heated and the mixture is made into a soft, pliable consistency

Film Fluff Sawdust Mixture

How is Trex made?

3. Mixture is formed into boards using profile dyes

4. The boards are cooled and cut to length

How is Trex made?

5. Boards are inspected by Quality Control for defects, strength and color accuracy

6. Finished boards are wrapped and shipped

Recycling Facts

95% of the materials used to make Trex decking are recycled. Of the 95%, 50% is recycled film and 50% is reclaimed sawdust

Trex recycles 200 million pounds of reclaimed sawdust and equal amount of polyethylene film each year

A 2x6x16 Trex decking board uses approximately 2,250 plastic bags

There are 140,000 recycled plastic bags in a 500 sq. ft. Trex deck

Product Portfolio

Transcend Pergola Lighting

Elevations Railing

BRING IN YOUR PLASTIC!! Collection Box

Locations

Review of what to collect…