Plastic Recycling Program FAQs

Some of our accounts have reduced their disposal costs by well over 50 percent by recycling their stretch film. If you choose to work with us in full truckloads, we will pay the freight on the material, as well as pay for the material itself. Save more as you reduce the number of pulls required for your trash hauling. If you are already recycling your corrugated material, it's likely most of the material you're sending to the landfill is stretch film.

We provide a specification sheet describing the materials we can recycle and the most likely contaminants that would prevent us from recycling. We can also visit your facility and look at the materials with you to develop a clear understanding of how we can work together.

Stretch films are very thin and by not baling the material, the costs to ship the used film would be prohibitive. Also, the loading and unloading at our facilities would be very difficult.

No. Any paper labels that are not glued to the film can be thrown away as the film is collected. The object is to collect the film without adding costly labor.

Minimal amounts of paper receipts are acceptable. Larger pieces of paper or corrugated material are not.

Yes. We can either provide you a list of plastic baler manufacturers, or provide you with a baler to use.

Pallets are non-returnable and can be an added cost for you. We recommend not using pallets to ship the bales. Our equipment can unload bales without them, but we can handle pallets and the weight will be deducted.

Our process allows us to recycle most polyethylene films. Therefore, grocery sacks can be baled in the same baler as stretch film. This may reduce the need for two balers. The materials must be separated by material type in each bale, but all bales can be shipped on the same truck.

Look for coding on the bags. We consider HDPE Film (2) and LDPE/LLDPE Film (4) to be compatible for our process. A simple way to remember it is 2 + 4 = Trex®.

We've been dealing with this problem for several years. One solution is to leave the baler platen down under pressure, between loading the baler. This tends to keep the film from springing back to its original form. We can also work with you on some other ideas.

Our program is driven by economics. We are currently paying for full truckloads of material, including the freight, however we are willing to arrange pick-up of partial loads. Trex is also willing to offer a solution for your other recyclables, so please discuss these options with your local sourcing rep.

A full load would weigh between 37,000 and 42,000 pounds, and should be made up of approximately 40 to 50 bales.

An old, non-roadworthy trailer works well to keep the material out of the way and dry. Some of our accounts use warehouse locations that are difficult to work with on a daily basis, such as top racks that are out of the way of their normal movement. Trex is willing to negotiate pick up of your other recyclables to maximize freight. Please discuss these options with your local sourcing rep.

A broad rule of thumb would be approximately 1/2 pound of plastic for every pallet that is unwrapped.

We would still like to work with you on recycling. We can work on less than truckloads, but because of the additional freight costs, we have to pay you less for the material. We can also quote a delivered price to our plant in Winchester, Virginia.

Unfortunately, there is always that possibility. We are in the recycling business and will make every effort to recycle all the materials we receive. We also work closely with our accounts and follow up on problems quickly to get them resolved.

We continue to grow and expand. We also use warehousing to take in excess materials, so as not to back up at your dock. When we agree to take your material, we feel we have a commitment to get it out of your way.

If you are collecting materials for us in truckload quantities that meet the bale specifications, we will guarantee to take all your material and guarantee a minimum price for at least one year.

We try to keep it simple. To schedule a pick-up of material just call 1-800-742-1035. We can usually arrange to have the material picked up within three working days. For any other questions, call 1-877-319-9795.

When we receive the truckload, we will require a light and heavy weight certificate from the driver. We will fax you that information and simply send you a check for the proper amount. Our terms are 2-10 percent net, 30 days from receipt of the material. We can also offer other alternatives if necessary.

Simply call 1-877-319-9795.

The polyethylene film is ground, heated and mixed with waste wood to produce a premier decking material sold under the brand name Trex®.

For more information, you can call 1-800-BUY-TREX (1-800-289-8739) or:

• Learn about all Trex products.
• Find a Trex contractor near you.