UMaine’s Greenhouse Plastic Recycling program set to open

University of Maine Cooperative Extension expects to open its Greenhouse Plastic Recycling program Tuesday, April 19 with drop-off sites available statewide through Nov. 21. Courtesy of UMaine Cooperative Extension

ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension expects to open its Greenhouse Plastic Recycling program Tuesday, April 19, with drop-off sites available statewide through Nov. 21.

Plastic eligible for recycling is clear, low-density polyethylene No. 4 (LDPE No. 4) used to cover greenhouses, high tunnels, hoop houses and other agricultural structures.

The program will also accept white overwintering plastic bundled separately from clear plastic.

This will be the third year for the recycling program, begun in 2020 with a one-year Maine Department of Environmental Protection Waste Diversion grant. The program’s goal is to collect at least one-third of Maine’s annual waste greenhouse plastic, diverting that waste for use in new plastic products.

To date, the program has collected almost 2,600 pounds of this plastic waste, according to a news release from the extension.

There is no program fee; registration is required. To register, find drop-off sites or more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/greenhouse-plastic-recycling.

More information also is available by contacting Matt Wallhead at 207-581-2949 or [email protected].