Turning Plastic into Purpose – JCCWMG Reaches a BENCHmark.
In early 2025, I joined the JCCWMG, transferring my membership from the York Poquoson Master Gardeners (YPMG). For years, the YPMGs have partnered with Trex, the recycled-plastic decking company, to collect soft plastic and keep it out of landfills. Once they collected 1,000 pounds of plastic, they received a Trex bench for the learning gardens. It’s a meaningful program that aligns with the Master Gardeners’ values, and I wanted to introduce it to the JCCWMG.
In April, I proposed a similar effort to the JCCWMG leadership for the association. Initially, there was some hesitation about whether the JCCWMGs should take on this challenge since other organizations were doing similar work. Fortunately, Dave Kleppinger and Bill Dichtel knew there was plenty of plastic available for recycling!
Since May 1, we have been collecting soft plastic before MG meetings, through local churches, neighborhoods, MaxFit Gym, E-Bike Alley, and Sentara Williamsburg. Gradually, the program has gained momentum while also educating participants about recycling and the work of Master Gardeners. Diana Tiller- Dichtel joined the effort, collecting plastic from her church and MG meetings and dropping it off at collection points.
To date, the JCCWMGs have collected over 809 pounds of soft plastic! A fully filled garden trash bag contains about 8 pounds of plastic, so more than 100 bags have been kept out of landfills. I especially want to thank the Ford’s Colony Recycling Program, which donated 400 lbs of plastic over the summer, helping us exceed our 1,000 lb goal.
We received our Trex bench in early December, and it now sits at the Historic Triangle Learning Garden. My goal from the beginning was to sustain the program beyond the first bench. However, at the end of 2025, Trex changed its reward system- from collecting plastic for benches to offering chances to win puzzles, fire pits, and projectors. Unfortunately, I will no longer be collecting plastic for the JCCWMG, but I encourage everyone to drop off soft plastic at local grocery stores or recycling centers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort and helped us reach our goal.