‘Bags to Benches’ recycling effort begins

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ALPHA — Rise-Up Indivisible Iron County is collaborating with Forest Park School and West Iron County School in a plastic recycling project called “Bags to Benches.” This plastic film recycling challenge is being sponsored by NexTrex, which makes composite decking.
With the help of Crystal Fresh Market and Angeli Foods and the Iron County community, the clean plastic is collected and weighed and then sent to a grocery distribution center. From there it is baled and trucked to the Trex decking manufacturing facility.
“The goal is to collect 500 pounds in six months,” Maureen Elson said. “When we meet that goal, we will receive a free composite bench and start the process all over again. The benches will be placed in a public location such as schools, parks, downtown area, etc.”
Trex accepts only clean grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, ice bags, re-closable food storage bags, cereal bags, case overwrap, wood pellet bags. If it’s soft, it’s acceptable. If it’s hard or crunchy, it’s unacceptable for this recycling project but can be recycled at Waste Management or GAD.
Look for the specific recycle bins at Forest Park School, West Iron County School, Angeli Foods (between the carts and parcel pick-up) and Crystal Fresh Market (in the produce section).
For more information, call Maureen Elson at 906-284-0661.