Trex Surpasses Recycling Targets with Grassroots Initiative
Trex, a leading manufacturer of composite decking, has surpassed its ambitious recycling goals through its innovative Grassroots Movement, which extends the benefits of its recycling program to a wider range of organisations. This initiative bridges the gap between Trex's community-based Recycling Challenge and its large-scale Commercial Recycling Partnerships, offering a solution for organisations that may not meet the volume requirements for the commercial program.
Approved organisations serve as convenient drop-off points for local residents to recycle a wide range of polyethylene (PE) plastic film materials, including everyday items like grocery bags, produce bags, sandwich bags, and packaging from paper products. Participating organisations can also recycle shrink wrap, pallet wrap, and other flexible plastic materials used in their operations. A comprehensive list of qualifying materials is available on the Trex website, [www.NexTrex.com](http://www.nextrex.com/).
"As plastic film cannot be recycled alongside other recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, and glass in kerbside bins, the NexTrex program offers a straightforward way for both individuals and organisations to dispose of plastic film waste responsibly," explained Trex spokesperson, Hicks.
Participating organisations are provided with the necessary tools and support to efficiently collect and bale the plastic film. Once 20-40 bales (equivalent to 20,000-40,000 pounds of plastic film) are collected, Trex picks them up and transports them to its manufacturing facilities in Virginia or Nevada (with potential future expansion to Arkansas). The collected plastic film is then used to produce Trex's composite decking, and the partners are compensated for the recycled materials.
Since its launch in 2022, the Grassroots Movement has expanded to over 70 drop-off locations across the US, encompassing a diverse range of businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, and non-profit organisations. This collaborative effort has resulted in the recovery of over 3 million pounds of PE plastic waste from communities nationwide.
One notable success story is the City of Flagler Beach, Florida, where sanitation supervisor Rob Smith has effectively utilised the NexTrex program to address the town's challenges with plastic film recycling.
"Prior to partnering with Trex, we had no guarantee that our discarded flexible plastics were actually being recycled," said Smith. "Now, we not only have full transparency regarding the disposal of these materials, but we also generate revenue from our waste."
"Municipalities and non-profit organisations are ideal partners for our Grassroots Movement," commented Hicks. "Colleges and universities are also achieving great success with this program, engaging staff, students, and community members in responsible recycling. It's truly inspiring to witness the positive impact achieved when like-minded individuals unite to protect our planet."
Trex currently upcycles over 320 million pounds of recycled plastic waste annually in its manufacturing process. Over the past three decades, the company has diverted over 5 billion pounds of plastic bags and film from landfills and waterways. The Grassroots Movement exemplifies Trex's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to creating a more sustainable future through innovative recycling solutions.
