Easttown Collecting Plastic Bags For Good Cause

EASTTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Easttown Township residents who have plastic bags they want to dispose of can do just that responsibly and for a good cause.

The township is teaming up with Trex Company Inc. for a plastic bag recycling program that will yield a new community bench.

The NexTrex Bags to Benches program uses recycled plastic bags and film packaging to make and donate benches.

Plastic bags and film packaging are important, durable and lightweight protection for food and merchandise in transit. But these materials shouldn't be recycled in most curbside carts or single stream programs.

These materials are not normally accepted in curbside programs because they can get caught in the machines that sort other valuable recyclables like paper, cans, and bottles.

Residents are invited to drop off dry, plastic bags and films at the Easttown Library (drop available during hours of operation and the Easttown Township Building vestibule, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The program accepts clean and dry plastic film that stretches when pulled apart

When dropping off items, be sure to remove tape, paper receipts and food residue from them.

Film that tears like paper, or is not stretchy; rigid plastics, such as bottles and tubs; degradable plastics; contaminated items, such as films with moisture or debris are problematic, are not accepted by the NexTrex program.

Below are frequently asked questions about the NexTrex program:

Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they...

• Contain other materials or are dirty or wet? No, plastic film must be clean and dry and the right type in order for it to be recycled. Please remove all other materials like tape, paper receipts, food residue and crumbs, and crinkly or rigid plastics (bottles and tubs). These contaminants can ruin the quality of the plastic and may result in it not being recycled.
• Stretch when I pull it apart with both hands? Yes, this is the correct type of plastic to recycle. If it doesn't stretch, or it tears like paper, please throw it in the trash.
• Are colored plastic? Yes, the color does not affect the recycling process.
• Have the NexTrex label? Yes, brands and retailers are using this label to let consumers know that the plastic film package is recyclable.
• Have a paper label or tape stuck on it? Yes, but labels, tape and adhesive strips should be removed if possible. You can simply cut off the label, as the integrity of the bag isn't important to the recycler.
• Are pet food bags? No, this plastic is not recyclable.
• Tear like paper? No, please do not include, as they are not currently accepted in film/bag recycling bins.
• Are thicker, stiff plastics for linens and beddings (including anything with a real zipper?) No, they are not the kind of plastic recyclers that can be used in their processes.
• Are very shiny (like floral wrap) and make a loud crinkly sound when crumpled? No, this plastic film is not recyclable.
• Have a shiny metal look like a chip bag or candy wrapper? No, this plastic film is not recyclable.
• Are labeled degradable and recyclable? No, recyclers can't risk using degradable plastics in new items, so these items are not recyclable.