Lexington, Kentucky, partners with Trex to recycle plastic film

The city of Lexington, Kentucky, has partnered with Winchester, Virginia-based Trex Co. Inc. to recycle plastic bags.

Plastic bags are not accepted in the city’s blue recycling carts or dumpsters, but Trex’s NexTrex program allows residents to bring their plastic bags, produce bags and other plastic film to drop-off locations throughout Lexington, Kentucky, until 1,000 pounds of film is received.

The plastic will be sent to Trex to be recycled into a bench that will be donated to Lextran, Lexington's official transit authority.

“Benches not only enhance the beauty of a stop but also provide a better experience for riders that makes waiting more pleasant,” says Emily Elliott, director of planning and community development at Lextran. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to place a new bench at a stop that needs one.”

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Accepted items include plastic grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, produce bags and dry-cleaning bags.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle items that we can’t take at the Recycle Center,” says Julie Hatter, plant manager for the Lexington Recycle Center. “Plastic bags and film get tangled in our sorting equipment, causing breakdowns and slowing down our recycling process. We also don’t have an outlet for plastic bags, so this is a chance for people to keep them out of the landfill.” 

Several of Lexington’s Green Check partner businesses have volunteered as drop-off locations for the challenge. Plastic bags and other accepted items can be dropped off at the beige and green NexTrex bins during business hours. All plastic must be clean, dry and free of food residue.