Schools + Plastic Shopping Bags = RECYCLING

Metro Elementary Schools Love a Challenge - A Recycling Challenge, that is!

Thirty-one metro area elementary schools are recycling plastic bags or switching to reusables as they compete in the 2012 Build with Bags School Challenge. Running Oct.1 through Nov. 1, the challenge is a program sponsored by Metro Waste Authority and the Iowa Grocery Industry Association that teaches kids about the importance of recycling and reducing waste.

Plastic OR Reusable Bags
You can get involved, too! Find out if your favorite elementary school is participating by visiting our website. Save your plastic bags and send them to school with your kids or the neighborhood kids. Better yet, take your reusable shopping bags to the store and simply ask the checkout clerk to give your favorite participating elementary school a credit for each bag you use. For every five reusable bags, the school gets credit for one pound of recycled plastic bags. You do the math – what a deal!

Winners Announced on America Recycles Day
The top three schools will be announced on America Recycles Day – Nov. 15. The winning schools receive a bench or picnic table made of recycled plastic bags. Schools that recycle 100 pounds of plastic and log 100 reusable bags receive a $100 store gift card.