KANSAS CITY, Mo. — To celebrate Earth Day, which is this Sunday, April 22, the City of Kansas City, Mo., will co-host a ”Plastic Bag-Free Day” event on Friday, April 20 at a variety of City facilities.
Put it on your calendar!
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, plastic bags present a major threat to the environment. Three of the top five marine debris items collected through the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program include plastic bottles, plastic bags and aluminum cans. All three items can easily be recycled.
The Environmental Protection Agency – Region 7 and Batliner Recycling will also participate in this event.
The plastic bags collected will be taken to Batliner Recycling, to be baled and shipped to several different plastics recyclers. They will then be processed and turned into pellets/resin for composite lumber, new grocery bags, containers or trash liners.
So, between 8 a.m. and noon, on April 20, residents are encouraged to take used plastic bags to one of the four City facilities listed below, in exchange for a free, reusable shopping bag, while supplies last. There will be a designated outdoor “drop-off” area at each participating location, so residents may simply drive up and drop off their plastic bags.
Water Department – 6300 E. 63rd St.
Health Department – 2400 Troost Ave.
City Hall – 414 E. 12th St.
Aviation Department – 601 Brasilia Ave.
In addition, residents may also recycle their plastic bags at the City’s three recycling centers on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in exchange for a free, reusable shopping bag, while supplies last. The recycling centers are located at the below locations:
Three Trails Recycling Center – 9051 Hillcrest Road
Environmental Campus Recycling Center – 4707 Deramus Ave.
Metro North Recycling Center – 400 N.W. Barry Road
Most large retail or grocery stores, such as Price Chopper, Hy-Vee, Wal-Mart and Target, provide bins for customers to recycle used plastic bags. In addition, many stores offer small discounts to customers who use reusable grocery bags. Residents are advised to call their local retail or grocery store to see if they offer any such incentives.
For more information about the City’s commitment to sustainability, click here.
