Pilot program seeks to increase plastic film recycling in Wisconsin

The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) is partnering with Dunn County, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Indianhead Enterprises Inc., Trex Co. Inc. and the Greater Menomonie Chamber of Commerce to promote a promote a new film recycling initiative of the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP). This WRAP pilot is designed to increase the recycling of commercial and consumer wraps made from polyethylene (PE) film. This category of recycling includes a variety of plastic retail bags, product wraps and stretch film.

The pilot is designed to expand the collection infrastructure for businesses (pallet wrap, furniture wrap, and more) and to increase the public awareness and involvement in the recycling of postconsumer plastic film packaging.

The pilot involves rural drop-off locations, a consolidation point within an industrial park, and a collection program run by a vocational center. At present, county residents are recycling about 400 pounds of plastic bags and wraps every two weeks at seven rural collection depots.

“We’re excited to support Dunn County in this effort,” says Shari Jackson, director of ACC FFRG. “The people here are so passionate about increasing plastics recycling and educating the community about the many types of plastic bags and wraps that can be recycled. We believe this program is going to make a real and positive difference in recycling this valuable material.”