The Cape Elizabeth Recycling Committee in partnership with the Thomas Memorial Library is thrilled to announce a major milestone in the town’s recycling efforts: the collection of more than 1,000 pounds of plastic in just 6 months. This accomplishment is thanks to the tireless work of dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic community members who have come together to participate in the NexTrex Recycling Challenge program to help reduce plastic waste and earn a new Trex bench made from recycled plastic. 

The initiative, which began on Earth Day 2024, was a response to growing concerns about the environmental impacts of plastics. Microplastics and single-use plastics, such as bags, wrappers, and packaging, make up a substantial portion of waste that threatens wildlife and contributes to pollution. Recognizing this, a workgroup composed of members of the community, Recycling Committee, and library staff, launched a program to encourage residents to recycle more plastic while spreading awareness about the importance of responsible waste management.

Since the program's inception, volunteers have spent countless hours collecting and weighing plastic film collected at the Thomas Memorial Library, then delivering it to designated collection sites. These volunteers bring their passion for the environment and sustainability, and their efforts have played an instrumental role in reaching this 1,000-pound milestone.

"It’s truly inspiring to see the commitment and energy our volunteers bring," says Jess Proctor, a Cape resident who brought the idea of the NexTrex Challenge to the Recycling Committee. "Without their hard work and the support of our community, we would not have reached this milestone. Each pound collected is a small victory in the fight against plastic pollution, and we are so grateful for everyone’s dedication to making Cape Elizabeth a cleaner and greener place."

Volunteers aren’t the only ones celebrating. Cape Elizabeth residents have expressed appreciation for the program, noting that it gives them a practical way to contribute to sustainability efforts locally. Many residents have adjusted their own recycling habits, taking care to separate and deliver clean, dry plastic film to the library's collection site. The community’s embrace of these changes highlights a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and a vision of a cleaner future. 

Looking ahead, the workgroup is excited to celebrate this milestone with a celebration on Tuesday, November 19th at 5pm.  Light refreshments will be served in the Thomas Memorial Library community room.  We’ll gather, celebrate, and share ideas for the program’s next steps. All are invited!  Please SIGN UP HERE.