Students Step Up in Countywide Plastic Recycling Effort

Published on April 11, 2025

Students at Resurrection Catholic School are demonstrating that small actions can lead to significant change, particularly in recycling. As part of the NexTrex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge, students in grades 6 through 8 are spearheading a school-wide initiative to collect hard-to-recycle plastics and give them a new purpose.

Their leadership has caught the attention of the Unified Government’s Solid Waste Management Team, who were invited to the school’s kickoff assembly. The team showcased a tangible example of what’s achievable through the challenge: a durable park bench made entirely from recycled plastic.

Solid Waste team member Lori Peaches joined the assembly to discuss the challenge with students, emphasizing which plastics are accepted and how the materials are processed.

“These students are the future, and they’re already leading the way,” said Peaches. “We were honored to support their passion and creativity.”

The visit builds on the momentum from Wyandotte County’s 2024 Recycling Challenge, launched last April by Public Works' Solid Waste Division in partnership with Re.Use.Full and NexTrex. The county achieved its goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic film—enough to earn a community bench—months ahead of schedule. That bench now resides at the Recycling & Yard Waste Center on Park Drive, symbolizing what’s possible when a community comes together. With assistance from schools like Resurrection Catholic, the Solid Waste Team is expanding the challenge to involve even more organizations.

“I’m really excited to participate in this recycling challenge because it’s not just about making our contribution now; it’s also about setting an example for future students,” said Genevieve Hand, Resurrection Student. “We’re turning small actions into significant change, and I’m proud our school is at the forefront of tackling plastic waste!”

At Resurrection, the recycling effort goes beyond just plastics. It embodies a larger purpose. Resurrection emphasizes character, service, and leadership as a Leader in Me school. Their recycling challenge is guided by core values such as Celebrating Genuine Service and Answering the Call to Lead. The project even has its own theme song, written and performed by students:

“We’re stepping out with bags in hand
Turning waste into something grand
Sorting bins with a little flair
Making change shows we care...”

Through this collaboration, students are aiding the environment and inspiring the entire community to get involved.