East Windsor Township Promotes Plastic Film Recycling and Challenges Residents to Join Efforts
On May 23, 2023, the Mayor of East Windsor Township, Janice S. Mironov, announced that the township is participating in the “Trex Plastic Film Challenge.” This initiative allows the township’s residents to recycle plastic film products, including grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, Ziplock and other re-closable food storage bags, cereal bags, case overwrap, salt bags, pallet wrap and stretch film, wood pellet bags, and produce bags. These items can now be conveniently deposited at the Public Works Facility located on Ward Street & Etra Road, or during East Windsor Township Recycling Days, with the next event taking place on Wednesday, July 12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The recycling of these plastic bags and film products is made possible through Trex, a manufacturer of composite decking and railing. Trex reclaims these products and uses them to create their products. To encourage the township’s residents to participate, Trex sponsors an annual challenge program that rewards groups who collect more than 500 pounds of plastics within six months with a free bench.
Mayor Mironov emphasized the importance of removing grocery bags and other plastic film from the waste stream since they cannot be picked up by the curbside recycling program and damage the mechanical equipment used during the recycling process. Moreover, these plastic film products do not decompose but break down into smaller and smaller pieces, forming harmful microplastics that pose a risk to wildlife and are hard to clean up. By recycling these plastic products, harmful plastic pollution is reduced, benefiting the community, wildlife habitats, and green spaces of East Windsor Township, which is a leader in recycling initiatives. In 2022 alone, over 14,000 tons of recyclables were collected in the township, indicating its success in meeting recycling goals while saving taxpayers money by reducing landfill tipping fees.
In conclusion, East Windsor Township encourages its residents to participate in the Trex Plastic Film Challenge and recycle their plastic bags and film. It is an easy way to support environmental sustainability and reduce harmful plastic pollution. By participating, residents are contributing to a better tomorrow for themselves and future generations. Finally, by partnering with Trex and leveraging their recycling expertise, the township is providing a robust recycling program that delivers substantial benefits for the community, reduces harmful plastic waste, and supports a growing environmental movement.
