Trex promotes plastic film recycling

Winchester, Virginia-based Trex Co., which uses discarded plastic films as feedstock in its wood-alternative decking and railings, is urging K-12 students in the United States to participate in the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge.

Now in its 15th year, the annual competition challenges students to collect and recycle polyethylene (PE) plastic film during a six-month period for the chance to win Trex products for their schools. The challenge kicks-off on America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, and concludes on Earth Day, April 22, 2022.

Trex says its decking is manufactured from 95 percent recycled materials, including a mix of reclaimed wood scrap and discarded plastic film. Each year, the company repurposes approximately 425,000 tons of recycled and reclaimed material in the production of its composite decking, making it one of the largest recyclers of plastic film in North America.

“Our school challenge program provides students with a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of recycling, showing that value can be found in something that was once considered waste,” says Bryan Fairbanks, president and CEO of Trex. “This challenge exemplifies that small, everyday efforts and a little bit of creativity can make a positive impact on not only the environment, but also on the lives of the people who live within it.”

Enrolled schools are supplied by Trex with instructions, promotional materials, recycling bins and a list of qualifying recyclable materials, which range from plastic grocery bags and newspaper sleeves to cereal liners and case overwraps, says Trex.

“Last year, students from 271 participating schools recycled nearly 130,000 pounds [65 tons] of plastic [scrap],” says Stephanie Hicks, materials sourcing manager for Trex. “We are very grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm these students bring to this program. They can be proud knowing the plastic they collected will find new life in beautiful Trex decks around the world.”

Interested parties can find more information on the challenge on this web page.