Trex Community Challenge Edit page

The Trex Community Challenge provides a way for Warm Hearth Village residents, visitors, and staff to recycle plastic grocery bags, newspaper sleeves and other thin plastic sheets, wraps, etc., that are rejected by single-stream recycling.

The Trex company uses these plastic films that we collect to manufacture high-performance composite deck boards. They are engineered to resist fading, scratches and stains, and eliminate time-consuming maintenance. Trex eco-friendly, composite decks are made from an innovative blend of 95% reclaimed wood and plastic film—that’s almost the whole thing. Some of the walkways leading to townhomes in our village are now made using these boards.

In February 2020, Warm Hearth Village enrolled in the Trex Community Challenge. Prior to 2024, 500 pounds in a six-month period were required to be awarded a bench. As of October 2023, we had 10 benches. Trex then increased the necessary total to qualify for a bench from 500 to 1000 pounds in a one-year period. Since then, we have collected enough plastic to get two more benches. Note: 1000 pounds represents over 80,000 plastic retail store bags (equivalent) that will be recycled into composite lumber for decking, outdoor furniture and other uses.

As of May 1st, our 13th bench has been placed along the Blue forest trail where it crosses the far end of the gravel road. 
 

Watch a video about recycling these plastics at Warm hearth Village here.

Acceptable Types of Plastic for the Trex Community Challenge

• Plastic shopping bags and other plastic films marked “Store Drop-off” as shown below.

•  Any plastic items on this flyer. Use this link to print the flyer.

Trex Collection Bin Locations

There are seven Warm Hearth Village Trex collection bins: 

1.  at the Village Center (outside the kitchen entrance); 
2.  in the Kroontje Health Care Center break room; 
3.  in the New River House; and in the vestibules of 
4.  the Showalter Center, 
5.  Karr Activity Center, 
6.  Trolinger North, and 
7.  Trolinger South.

Trex Bench Locations

Benches have been installed at various locations throughout Warm Hearth Village, including one at a scenic location in the woods beyond Hawthorne Ridge. Also, two benches have been installed at Lewis Gale Hospital – Montgomery: one near the entrance and one in their mini-park.