WMS Wellness Department has spearheaded a schoolwide plastic film recycling initiative. With the reliance on single use disposable water bottles in school, there has been a surge in plastic case wrap. As this type of flexible plastic is not allowed in curbside recycling, it winds up in the trash/landfill.
Plastic Film Recycling is a website that I found last summer when I noticed a "how 2 recycle" logo on an Amazon mailer that came to my house.
With just a bit of research, I learned that not only are those Amazon bags recyclable (just remove any labels or stickers) but so much more flexible plastic is as well.
Have you ever walked into a grocery store like Shaw's, Price Chopper or Whole Foods, or a retail store like Kohl's or Target, and noticed bins marked to collect plastic shopping bags? If so, you now know exactly where to dispose of your flexible plastic!
The image above shows you just how many different types of flexible plastic that can be collected and recycled in drop off locations. Use the interactive tool on the Bag and Film Recycling website to find a collection spot close to you.
After just four days of collecting plastic case wrap, I took an extra large garbage bag to my local Shaw's Market to recycle!
Here is the bag that I recycled next to the plastic collection bin. These bins were found in the same space where you return bottles and cans.
With the help of 7th grade students, large bags have been placed in each spot that plastic water bottles are stocked. This has already proven to increase proper disposal in the first week!
Do you recycle this kind of plastic in your home? Would you start? If so, tell me in the comments!
Yours in Heath,
