In the heart of Summit County, a quiet revolution is underway—one plastic wrapper at a time. The Plastics Action Team at Summit Rotary, in partnership with NexTrex, is leading a grassroots effort to divert plastic film from our landfill and transform it into durable trailside benches. What began small has grown into a vibrant collaboration with Rotary, Sierra Club, MeetUp groups, HOAs, churches, and a dedicated network of community volunteers.

The program targets commercial soft plastics—think shrink wrap and pallet wrap— which curbside systems can’t recycle. Instead of ending up in the landfill, these materials are collected, weighed, and shipped to NexTrex, where they’re repurposed into long-lasting composite lumber. For every thousand pounds Rotary collects, NexTrex sends a composite bench, ten of which are now in public spaces around the county. 

Local businesses have stepped up in a big way. Murdoch’s, iFurnish, Mountain Comfort, and Sherwin-Williams Frisco have been diligently collecting their shrink wrap, contributing 20 to 60 pounds of plastic wrap each week. Thanks to their managers and staff, and the volunteers who sort and transport the material, the program has diverted an estimated 45 dump truck loads of plastic—from the Summit landfill over the past four years.

The impact is tangible. By reducing landfill volume and giving plastic a second life, the program supports cleaner waterways, healthier wildlife habitats, and a more sustainable future for our mountain community, proving that environmental stewardship can be both practical and inspiring.

And the momentum is building. St. Anthony Hospital has joined the effort, and several construction sites are now collecting plastic wrap from pallets and packaging. But with growth comes need. The team is actively seeking more volunteers to help an hour a week with removal of labels and tape. Businesses that generate 20+ pounds of plastic film per week are encouraged to contact Rotary Plastic for a quick waste audit and onboarding. We’ll help you setup a collection system that works for your team

Getting involved is easy. Whether you’re a business owner, a student, a retiree, or part of a community group, there’s a role for you. Volunteers can sign up for weekly shifts at Rotary Plastic Action Team SignUp. 

Together, we’re proving that small actions—when multiplied—can lead to big change. Join us in turning waste into worth and building a clean earth legacy, one bag at a time.