A new campaign to capture more plastic wraps and bags has launched in Omaha, Neb.
The new initiative from the Wrap Recycling Action Program launched in December to educate consumers on how they can recycle clean and dry plastics at participating stores. Materials collected include grocery bags, produce bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper bags and food storage bags. Other materials accepted include plastic wraps for beverage cases and other film used to package items such diapers, bathroom tissue and paper towels. It also accepts bubble wrap and shipping film.
The Flexible Film Recycling Group of the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the First Star Fiber material recovery facility were at the launch at four Hy-Vee grocery stores in Omaha to help educate consumers.
"Omaha residents can play an important role in keeping these items out of the landfill by bringing their plastic wraps and bags to a Hy-Vee grocery store or other participating retailer for recycling. Recycling plastic wraps and bags at retail drop-off locations instead of through curbside collection programs helps ensure that this material does not damage equipment at the local MRF," said Shari Jackson, director of film recycling for ACC, in a statement.
"Moreover, recycling plastic wraps and bags at grocery and retail locations helps keep the material clean and dry, which is critical to maintaining quality for recycling," Jackson said.
The WRAP effort coincided with a promotional effort regarding the Hefty Energy Bag Program, which is diverting hard-to-recycle plastics from landfill disposal. Omaha-area residents use special orange bags to segregate those plastics, which are then used as fuel.