Scotch Plains, NJ — As part of an initiative with Union County, Scotch Plains has partnered with neighboring towns to launch a new drop-off plastic film recycling program.
Scotch Plains Council member Ellen Zimmerman explained that the new recycling program, called “Recycle Beyond the Bag,” will help conserve resources and keep plastic out of the town’s waste stream.
“Plastic bags and film packaging play an important role in providing durable, lightweight protection for food and merchandise during transit,” writes Zimmermann. “However, these materials should not be recycled in most street carts and single stream programs. We provide specific collection bins for recycling separately from recyclables.”
Scotch Plains also has its own collection bin.
In addition to the program’s environmental benefits, Zimmerman said it was the first countywide plastic film recycling initiative initiated in New Jersey.
“Recycle Beyond the Bag” is affiliated with Trex Company, Inc. Trex Company, Inc is the world’s largest manufacturer of composite decking and other outdoor living products made from recycled materials.
Scotch Plains joins 11 other municipalities in its initial cohort, including Funwood and Westfield.
Drop-off programs include the Scotch Plains DPW yard at 2445 Plainfield Ave. and have dedicated program hours on Thursdays from 7am to 2pm.
Residents are encouraged to bring back clean, dry plastic film.
Plastics can also be brought to the Westfield Conservation Center at 1300 Lamberts Mill Road. Through December 18, hours of operation are 9 AM to 2:30 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 3 PM on weekends.
To protect the recycling stream from contamination, only the following items are accepted:
- from the store: Manufacture of bags, store bags and ice bags
- from the pantry: Ziplock and other resealable bags, cereal box liners, case overlaps (such as bottled water cases), and bread bags
- from the front door: newspaper sleeves, bubble wrap, plastic e-commerce mailers
Only flexible plastic films can be recycled under this program. Clamshells, casings, containers, or other hard plastic items are not acceptable.
Not sure if your plastic waste is recyclable? Try this handy test:
- See if the package stretches when pulled. If there is, you can include it. If it tears like paper, don’t put it in the bin.
- Is the packaging shiny or does it rustle with your hands? If so, don’t recycle.
As part of the new program, recyclable film materials from across Union County will be consolidated and shipped to Trex for use as raw material at its Virginia facility.
To facilitate the process, the county provides Scotch Plains with oversized bags for film storage and transportation.
For the Recycle Coach app and all recycling programs in Scotch Plains, visit ucnj.org/recycling.
The Green Connection (ucnj.org/green-connection) also has quick links to other ongoing environmental programs and activities.
