From left, IT Specialist Jason DeBlanc and Chad Vail, Office of Information Technology’s building operations coordinator, put mileage on a bench OIT received as part of the Trex Company’s NexTrex Recycling Challenge for the group recycling more than 2,000 pounds of film plastics.

Memorial benches often ceremonialize people or events for those who commission their creation, a dedication to the moment or moments in their memories. For the Office of Information Technology, their dedication to the planet was certainly worthy of ceremony.

Members of Waste Reduction and Recycling (WRRD) recently commemorated the Office of Information Technology (OIT) with a memorial bench for their dedication to reducing plastic waste on campus and in the community.

“Presented to the Office of Information Technology by the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department for their commitment to recycling,” a plaque on the bench reads.

The bench was presented as part of the Trex Company’s NexTrex Recycling Challenge, which focuses on diverting polyethylene film from landfills and waterways. Common items like grocery bags, bubble wrap and bread bags are recycled by the company for use in their sustainable decking material, railings and outdoor furniture.

In short, if it’s plastic that stretches, then it can be recycled through the program. When 1,000 pounds is collected in a calendar year, a bench is presented.

“Since 2021, the OIT department has contributed about 150 pounds per year toward the Trex Recycling Challenge,” WRRD Coordinator Jesse Teel said. “Their ongoing commitment to recycling and sustainability has helped WRRD reach the Trex Recycling Challenge goal of 1,000 pounds.”

Much more than 1,000, in fact. A total 2,326 pounds of film plastics were recycled through university measures in 2023.

“Trex sent WRRD a bench made from recycled plastic film, which WRRD gifted to OIT,” Teel said, “and a special thanks goes out to the Makerspace for making the plaque for the bench.”

OIT was one of the first groups to reach out about the recycling program.

“They had approached us Spring 2021 to start the film plastics recycling program and were one of five departments with a collection container,” WRRD Manager Joan Hicken said. “We now have 13 locations.”

For more information on participating in film recycling on campus, get in touch with WRRD at aureuse@auburn.edu.