Lake Highlands North Rec Center Launches Recycling Competition

Neighbors asked to collect 1,000 #2 HDPE plastic items to win a Buddy Bench and party

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Lake Highlands North Recreation Center in Dallas is challenging local residents to collect 1,000 pieces of #2 HDPE recyclable plastic by April 15. The first recreation center to reach the goal and send the items to the City of Dallas' Materials Recovery Center will win a Buddy Bench and a celebration with food and t-shirts.

Why it matters

Buddy Benches are designed to promote inclusion and friendship on playgrounds, particularly for children who may feel isolated or left out. This recycling competition aims to bring the community together around an environmental initiative while also securing a valuable resource to support social-emotional learning at the recreation center.

The details

The #2 HDPE plastic items that can be collected include milk jugs, water jugs, juice containers, margarine and yogurt tubs, shampoo and conditioner bottles, detergent containers, and bleach bottles. Residents can drop off the recyclables at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center, located at 9940 White Rock Trail.

  • The recycling competition runs through April 15, 2026.

The players

Lake Highlands North Recreation Center

A community recreation center in the Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.

City of Dallas Materials Recovery Center

The facility that will receive the collected recyclable plastics from the competition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This recycling competition is a creative way for the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center to engage the local community, promote environmental stewardship, and secure a valuable resource to support inclusive and positive experiences for children on the playground.