Argyle Magnet Middle 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 + =

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 FluffSawdust 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 TranscendPergolaLighting Elevations Railing

BRING IN YOUR PLASTIC!! Collection Box Locations Review of what to collect…