WDNR – A survey on plastics recycling that includes more than 4,000 companies is the latest step in a joint effort by the Department of Natural Resources, the plastics industry and the Wisconsin Manufacturers Extension Partnership to create a comprehensive map of plastics film recycling options in the state.
The online survey is part of Wisconsin's Plastic Film Recycling Initiative, a public-private partnership working to increase recycling of used polyethylene bags, wraps and films – materials found in nearly every household and business.
"Our end goal is for all businesses in Wisconsin to have better access to plastic film recycling options," said Cynthia Moore, DNR recycling coordinator. "Mapping the existing infrastructure is an essential step to understanding both the options and gaps currently available to businesses and consumers."
A recent Canadian study estimated that there is excess recycling capacity in North America for plastic film. Plastic film comprises about 35 percent of the packaging stream, but only about 6 percent of plastic film is recycled. Moore said the partners in the Initiative – DNR, the American Chemistry Council's Flexible Film Recycling Group and GreenBlue's Sustainable Packaging Coalition – have joined forces to turn the situation around, starting with a pilot project in Wisconsin.
Moore said the two year project will lay the ground work and test approaches to increasing awareness of and access to film recycling in a pilot area. A key element in this plan is easy access to resources and recycling opportunities for both businesses and consumers.
The project is nearing completion of its first phase, which involves compiling a comprehensive map of recycling options for industrial, commercial and consumer plastic bags and film in the state. Through the online survey, the group seeks information about the quantities, types and destination of plastic waste generated through their operations.
The survey of 4,000 businesses in Wisconsin will help project planners map out where and how much used bags and film are generated. The project partners hope the Wisconsin experience will serve as a template for expansion to other states.
The Wisconsin initiative will contact other critical stakeholders including local governments, recycling organizations, and educational institutions such as universities to increase consumer awareness about where and how plastic bags/film can be recycled.
"This survey will provide the critical information we need to expand film recycling in Wisconsin," said Shari Jackson, director of the Flexible Film Recycling Group. "Participating in this survey is an important opportunity for the film recycling value chain to be heard."
Moore added that the public is also invited to share their input. "Anyone wishing to provide information or to participate in this project is encouraged to visit the website at www.plasticfilmrecycling.org. The site identifies drop off locations as well as tips on how to set up a collection program, and has a tool to enter additional drop off locations if yours is not already listed- all free and available for your use at home, in your office or business operation."
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