Dive Brief:

• The Flexible Film Group, a subsidiary of the American Chemistry Council, has partnered with numerous Wisconsin organizations to kickstart a new plastic film pilot program.
• The program’s goal is to promote the recycling of both consumer and commercial plastic wrap made from polyethylene. Examples of products that contain this material are clear plastic wrap, product packaging and certain types of shopping bags. 
• The plan to promote recycling these materials includes expanding public awareness and increasing the infrastructure available to businesses for the collection of these plastics.

Dive Insight:

The county participating in this experiment is Dunn County, Wisconsin. The program established drop-off locations for plastics containing polyethylene, as well as a consolidation area and a collection site. Seven collection areas are located throughout the county and are operated by various organizations. The county is currently recycling approximately 400 pounds of plastic in a two week timeframe.

Other states are also putting a focus on plastics recycling: In April, the state of Vermont began a pilot program to recycle plastics used in farming. Those involved in the program drop off used plastics at one of five locations to be recycled. If deemed successful, the program will be expanded.