Let’s WRAP – Boosting plastic film recycling [Slideshow]

Plastic bags and other polyethylene film wraps (i.e. dry cleaning and bread bags, case wrap on paper goods and drink bottles, and other plastic films) can be a huge headache for MRFs, but let’s face it, they aren’t going away. The good news is that Re-TRAC users have tools available at their fingertips to make a big difference. The Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP) helps reduce or eliminate unwanted plastic film from the curbside stream by directing it to where it is wanted – the retail collection infrastructure. WRAP provides educational and outreach tools for state agencies, local jurisdictions, and community organizations looking for a way to manage plastic bags and film in their communities.

There are more than 18,000 grocers and retailers across the country that accept bags and film wraps.

Directing residents to recycle that material at local stores, instead of in the curbside bin, is a simple and effective message that’s already making a difference in communities around the nation.

The WRAP program was recently featured as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Sustainable Materials Management webinar series and attendees:

• Heard from the city of Milwaukee about their success implementing the program;
• Learned how WRAP deals with issues related to curbside recycling and keeping plastics bags and film packaging out of local material recovery facilities;
• Discovered how to meet zero waste and landfill diversion goals through “return to retail” recycling;
• Were offered free educational materials and effective messages to educate residents and businesses in their respective areas; and
• Learned about free technical assistance to support their state’s or community’s efforts.

Did you miss it? It’s not too late. Click here to download the slideshow.

Ready to join? To sign up as a WRAP Champion or Partner, search for WRAP in the Re-TRAC programs and join the movement to recycle these valuable and highly recyclable materials.