Plastic Recycling Challenge

WE DID IT!

Thanks to your generous contributions, we have officially collected over 1000 lbs. of flexible plastics and completed the NexTrex Recycling Challenge. Trex estimates that 1000 lbs. equals a total of 41,000 plastic bags. As a reward for all of your hard work, Trex will give us a new bench made from recycled composite materials. You are welcome to keep bringing your flexible plastics to Trout Lake and we will continue taking them to Winn Dixie for recycling, but we no longer need to weigh the bags. You can also bring your plastic to their bins in front of the store yourself if that is easier, stores such as Winn Dixie, Publix, and Walmart have similar collection bins available. If you do take plastic directly to a store other than Winn Dixie, please check to make sure they will accept it. Many stores are more restrictive on the type of soft plastics they will accept. 

We are taking the NexTrex Recycling Challenge to gather unwanted and difficult to recycle plastics. NexTrex is working to divert soft plastic waste away from landfills and instead give it a new life as beautiful and sustainable decking. 95% of the plastic collected and returned to NexTrex is used to make composite decking, benches and other products.

By joining the Challenge, TLNC will collect a variety of flexible plastics (hard or woven plastic can’t be collected) over the next 12 months. If we collect 1,000 lbs. of plastic, we will be gifted a composite bench for one of our trails. Because recycled plastic doesn’t weigh very much, we need your help to reach our goal. Start collecting now and bring your plastic to TLNC anytime during open hours.

Bring your flexible plastic waste to TLNC. Our recycling container is found inside the education building where it can be kept clean and dry. Periodically, we will weigh the recycling and deliver it to a central collection location at Winn Dixie for pick-up by NexTrex.

As of May 7th, we have collected over 1000 lbs. of soft plastic and made it to our goal! Thank you to everyone who has collected plastic and helped us reach our goal so quickly.