NexTrex Plastic Bag & Film Recycling

Thanks to the Easttown Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), local volunteers, and the Tredyffrin-Easttown Green Team for their collaboration on this project.  Nothing is better than reducing use, and this recycling program helps keep plastic films out of the landfill and our rivers by turning them into Trex products.  

Did you know...

  • Plastic bags and film packaging are important durable and lightweight protection for food and merchandise in transit.
  • These materials are not normally accepted in curbside programs because they can get caught in the machines that sort other valuable recyclables like paper, cans, and bottles.  
  • Bags are generally too dirty after their trip in the back of the recycling truck to be recycled, even if they are collected at the recycling facility.  

What is NexTrex?

NexTrex is a program created by Trex Company, Inc. by providing a recycling solution for plastic film packaging that keeps thousands of pounds of waste out of landfills by recycling them into eco-friendly outdoor products.

Where to Donate

Drop off your clean, dry, plastic bags and films at the following locations:

  • Easttown Library (drop available during hours of operation) 
  • Easttown Township Building vestibule (open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

What can be recycled?

From the store...from your pantry...from your front door.
  • Air pillows
  • Bread bags
  • Bubble wrap
  • Case overwrap
  • Case overwrap
  • Cereal box liners
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Electronic wrap
  • Grocery bags
  • Newspaper sleeves
  • Pallet wrap & stretch film
  • Plastic e-commerce mailers
  • Plastic films labeled with #2 or #4 recycling symbol (polyethylene films)
  • Plastic shipping envelopes
  • Produce bags
  • Product wrap
  • Retail bags
  • Salt & ice bags
  • Store bags
  • Wood pellet bags
  • Ziploc & other re-closable food storage bags

NexTrex does NOT accept everything.

Please make sure that donations do not include:
  • Backyard ice rinks
  • Bedding or linen packaging
  • Candy bar wrappers
  • Chip bags
  • Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
  • Frozen food bags
  • Hot dog or meat wrap packaging
  • Lamination film
  • Mulch or soil bags
  • Net or mesh produce bags
  • Pet food bags
  • Pool covers
  • PPE-Gloves, masks, or protective wear
  • Pre-washed salad mix bags
  • Shiny, crinkly films like floral wrap
  • Silage and hay bags
  • Six-pack rings
  • Vinyl shower curtains or tablecloths

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle plastic bags and film if they...
  • ...are colored plastic?
    YES,     the color does not affect the recycling process.
  • ...tear like paper?
    NO,     please do not include, as they are not currently accepted in film/bag recycling bins.
  • ...stretch when I pull it apart with both hands?
    YES,     this is the correct type of plastic to recycle.  If it doesn't stretch or it tears like paper, please throw it in the trash.
  • ...are thicker, stiff plastics for linens and beddings (including anything with a real zipper?)
    NO,     they are not the kind of plastic recyclers that can be used in their processes.
  • ...have a paper label or tape stuck on it?
    YES,     but labels, tape and adhesive strips should be removed if possible.  you can simply cut off the label as the integrity of the bag isn't important to the recycler.
  • ...are pet food bags?
    NO,     this plastic is not recyclabe.
  • ...are very shiny (like floral wrap) and make a loud crinkly sound when crumpled?
    NO,     this plastic film is not recyclable.
  • ...are boat wrap?
    NO,     because its intended use is to protect boats outside, which means it could contain barriers or be contaminated with moisture and debris that are problematic in the recycling process.
  • ...have a shiny metal look like a chip bag or candy wrapper?
    NO,     this plastic film is not recyclable.
  • ...have the NexTrex label?
    YES,     brands and retailers are using this label to let consumers know that the plastic film package is recyclable.
  • ...are labeled degradable AND recyclable?
    NO,     recyclers can't risk using degradable plastics in new items so these items are not recyclable.
  • ...contains other materials or is dirty or wet?
    NO,     plastic film must be clean and dry and the right type in order for it to be recycled.  Please remove all other materials like tape, paper receipts, food residue and crumbs, and crinkly or rigid plastics (bottles and tubs).  These contaminants can ruin the quality of the plastic and may result in it not being recycled.