Trex Partners up with Albertsons to Divert Plastic from Landfills

Trex Company and Albertsons Companies are boosting their shared commitment to eco-friendly solutions by implementing a special recycling approach that diverts plastic waste away from landfills.

Albertsons Cos. has gathered over 54,000 pounds of bulk medication dispensing bottles.

The contents of these are used to fill individual prescriptions.

Trex will then recycle the bottles to make its first-rate wood-alternative, eco-friendly composite decking.

“Our associates throughout our stores and pharmacies have championed this effort and are excited that these plastic bottles will have a second life,” Erin Shaal, Senior Director of Pharmacy Procurement.

The new endeavour broadens upon a years-long partnership wherein Albertsons Cos. has given over 200 million pounds of recycled plastic film (equal to over 5,000 truckloads) to the NexTrex® plastic film recycling program.

These new programs boost the circular economy that supports and celebrates America Recycles Day that takes place every November 15.

“Pharmacists and Pharmacy Associates at participating locations are meticulously prepping the bottles for recycling. We’re very thankful for this level of dedication and excited to play a role in our company’s broader commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic,” continued Erin Shaal.

The Trex’s sustainability program took place in the following places:

• ACME pharmacies along the East Coast
• Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions pharmacies in Southern California
• Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies in Oregon and Southern Washington.
• Jewel-Osco pharmacies in the Chicago area also joined the recycling program.

“NexTrex is an integral component to Trex’s sourcing efforts and Albertsons Cos. is one of our original and most dedicated retail partners. They aren’t content with simply participating. Rather, they advance their commitment and find new ways to make a difference,” said Dave Heglas, Senior Director, Supply Chain Excellence for Trex Company.

The Metamorphosis

Albertsons Cos. ships the recycled plastic recycles created through the NexTrex program to Trex’s manufacturing centers in Winchester, Va., and Fernley, Nev. Trex uses around 400 million pounds of recycled plastic film each year. This includes over 1.5 billion plastic bags. Trex utilizes the recycled materials for making its world-famous decking. The decking is made of 95% recycled content.

The two companies’ new recycling program is exclusively for bulk pharmacy-use bottles, but Albertsons Cos. and Trex have offered customers an easy way to recycle plastic items at stores for several years.

Sustainability n-store is more vital now because recycling in America has become difficult.

This is due to shifts in acceptable curb side recycling initiatives.

The Albertsons Cos. family of over 20 famous banners are part of the program.

The majority of which stores serve as drop-off points for consumers.

Customers can check if the bin at their local store or peruse this list of accepted materials to determine acceptable items for in-store bins.

The NexTrex program provides a convenient, end-use solution for recycling plastic items such as bags and wraps.

Participation in the program is possible through the approximately 32,000 stores across the United States and Canada.

These include major national chains, and regional and specialty retailers. Trex offers clients materials such as:

• Instructional videos
• Promotions
• List of qualifying recyclable materials, which include case overwraps, bread bags, grocery and retail bags, and others.

For more details about the NexTrex program and a list of participating stores, please go to Trex.com/Recycling.