Wal-Mart Expands Plastic Bag Recycling Program

Wal-Mart says that the Kids Recycling Challenge is the largest plastic bag recycling program of its kind ever undertaken in the state.

The decision to grow the program follows the success of its pilot project in Sacramento, Calif.; Palm Springs, Calif.; and Salt Lake City, Utah, that began last February. After the initial introduction in the three cities the program was expanded through Northern California.

Since the start of the program, more than 400 schools have participated, and have already recycled over 209,000 pounds (104.5 tons) of plastic bags.

In rolling out the program throughout the state, running from now through April 17, 2006, students of participating elementary schools throughout the state can bring plastic retail and grocery bags to their schools for recycling. For each 60-gallon collection bag (supplied by Wal-Mart) the school fills with plastic bags and brings to a local Wal-Mart store, the school will be awarded $5.00.

Participating schools are grouped into 17 geographic regions. The three schools in each region that bring in the most collection bags will receive additional cash grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation in the amounts of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Additionally, the top school in each region will be rewarded with an entertaining school-wide assembly focusing on the environment, courtesy of Wal-Mart.

The Kids Recycling Challenge is open to elementary schools in select counties in California and Salt Lake City. Elementary schools interested in joining the program should visit www.kidsrecyclingchallenge.com to learn more and to enroll.