Plastic trash turned into decks: Central Oregon companies promote sustainability efforts as Earth Day approaches

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22, again putting a spotlight on sustainability efforts -- including some literally under foot, with many who walk on decks made of recycled plastic likely unaware.

Trex has a project called NexTrex, which has a recycling process to reduce waste. It takes any plastic film to give it new life. It's used by companies such as Bend's Webfoot Home Improvements, which is committed to building decks using Trex products.

Through its NexTrex Recycling Program, the company works with grocery stores like Albertsons and Fred Meyer to collect all types of post-consumer PE material, including everything from plastic shopping bags, produce bags and case overwrap to cereal box liners, Ziploc bags and flexible shipping pouches.

Trex then uses this material to make its world-famous composite decking – diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of waste from winding up in landfills every year. 

Kelsey McGee spoke with staff from Webfoot, as well as Fred Meyer, asking about their partnerships with Trex. Here is her report.