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Totowa Today
By the People, for the People
Totowa Library Relaunches Plastic Bag Recycling Program
The library is collecting plastic bags and packaging to earn a Trex bench for the community.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The Totowa Public Library has brought back its popular 'Recycle Beyond the Bag' campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to recycle their household plastic bags and packaging materials. The library aims to collect enough plastic to earn a Trex bench, an outdoor bench made from recycled plastic and wood composite, to install somewhere in the borough.
Why it matters
Plastic bag waste is a significant environmental issue, with many bags ending up in landfills or polluting natural areas. The library's recycling program helps divert this waste and supports the creation of sustainable outdoor furniture for the community.
The details
The library is collecting a wide range of clean plastic bags and packaging materials, including produce bags, grocery store bags, ice bags, Ziploc and other reclosable bags, cereal box liners, case overwrap, bread bags, newspaper sleeves, dry-cleaning bags, bubble wrap, and plastic e-commerce mailers. Residents and visitors can place their items in the clearly marked collection bin located at the back of the library.
- The 'Recycle Beyond the Bag' campaign was relaunched in February 2026.
The players
Totowa Public Library
A public library in Totowa, New Jersey that is running a plastic bag recycling program.
Trex
A company that manufactures outdoor furniture and decking products made from recycled plastic and wood composite.
What’s next
The library hopes to collect enough plastic to earn a Trex bench, which they plan to install somewhere in the borough.
The takeaway
The Totowa Public Library's plastic bag recycling program is a community-driven effort to reduce waste and create sustainable outdoor furniture, demonstrating how local institutions can play a role in promoting environmental stewardship.
