Students at Lyme-Old Lyme Schools are participating in the Trex Recycling Challenge, a national competition that challenges students in grades K-12 to collect and recycle the most polyethylene plastic film for a chance to win a Trex bench for their school.
Most polyethylene products – labeled with the #2 or #4 recycling symbol – are not accepted at recycling facilities either because they can get caught in the machines that sort recyclables; or because get too dirty after their trip in the back of the recycling truck to be recycled.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Schools’ goal is to collect 5,000 pounds of plastic film and win a Trex bench for each school building. Trex benches are made in part from recycled plastic film.
All film that is collected must be clean, dry, empty and free of food residue.
Trex recycling bins are located inside all school buildings in Lyme and Old Lyme, as well as inside both Town Halls and the Lymes’ Youth Services Bureau.
The following materials CAN BE RECYCLED via a Trex recycling bin:
- Plastic grocery bags
- Bread bags
- Bubble wrap
- Dry cleaning bags
- Newspaper sleeves
- Ice bags
- Re-closable food storage bags
- Produce bags
The following materials CANNOT BE RECYCLED:
- Frozen food bags
- Cereal bags
- Potato chip bags
- Soil or mulch bags
- Pet food bags
- Hot dog or meat wrap packing
- Plastic six-pack rings
- PPE (gloves, masks, etc.)
- Vinyl shower curtains or tablecloths
For complete details, see this flyer or go here.