MSUM takes on recycle challenge

(Moorhead, MN) -- The Minnesota State University Moorhead Physical Plant, Sustainable Students Association and Student Senate Sustainability Committee are collaborating to host a plastic recycling challenge on campus.

If the campus collects 500 pounds of plastic bags (which equates to approximately 40,000 bags) by April 2023, composite wood-alternative company Trex has agreed to donate a bench made of recycled plastic to MSUM’s campus. 

The campus community can deposit plastic bags grocery bags, cereal bags, re-sealable kitchen bags and other plastic bags at various drop bins around campus.  

It takes nearly 1,000 years for a plastic bag to decompose. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the recycling rate of plastic bags in the United States is approximately 10 percent.