FROM PLASTIC TO PURPOSE: Summit County Rotary Hits 22,000 Pounds Recycled—and Rolls Out a New Van to Do Even More
In Summit County, a simple idea has grown into a powerful example of community-driven impact—and now, it’s gaining even more momentum.
The Rotary Club of Summit County is proud to introduce the newest addition to its plastic recycling initiative: a newly acquired and fully wrapped minivan dedicated to collecting and storing stretchy plastic from across the community. Made possible through a generous grant from High Country Conservation and led by the vision of club member David Hicks, this vehicle represents more than just transportation—it’s a symbol of progress, awareness, and collaboration.
For years, Summit County Rotarians have led a weekly effort to collect stretchy plastic—materials often overlooked in traditional recycling programs. Volunteers gather, sort, and prepare the plastic before sending it to Trex Company for processing. Thanks to this consistent commitment, the club has already diverted more than 22,000 pounds of plastic from local landfills.
The impact doesn’t stop there.
For the first 1,000 pounds of plastic collected per year, TREX provides a bench made from recycled materials. These benches – twelve to date – are now placed in public places throughout Summit County, serving as visible reminders of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. Each one stands as both a functional piece of public space and a testament to Rotary’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
This initiative has also strengthened something just as important: community connection. Weekly collection events have brought together volunteers from across the region—and recently led to three new members joining the club as a direct result of their involvement.
Like many Rotary success stories, this project began with the passion of one individual—originally founded by former member Marcy Woodland and later recognized by the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), a global network connecting over 2,000 members in more than 100 countries to advance environmental initiatives.
With the addition of this new van, the Rotary Club of Summit County is not only expanding its reach—it’s driving forward a cleaner, more connected future.
👉 Learn more about the Rotary Club of Summit County: https://www.summitrotary.com/
