Iowa Grocers Encourage Bag Recycling

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Hy-Vee, Dahl’s and other Iowa grocers are participating in Build with Bags, a new program designed to encourage plastic bag recycling.

The retailers have put up Build with Bags plastic bag recycling barrels in stores and are distributing program-branded plastic bags. The two-week in-store promotion runs until January 24.

Build with Bags is a cooperative of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Metro Waste Authority in Des Moines, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and The Des Moines Register. Its goal is to double the amount of plastic bags recycled over a 24-month period; reduce consumption of plastic bags; and increase use of reusable bags.

Build with Bags will give out about $100,000 in community grants over the next two years for the purchase of recycled plastic outdoor furniture and equipment for schools and parks

“Hy-Vee’s commitment to sustainability is part of our mission to make lives easier, healthier and happier,” said Ken Waller, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Hy-Vee and chairman of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association. “We recognize that grocers have a responsibility to address the environmental impact of plastic bags and provide incentives to help consumers reduce, reuse and recycle.”

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