WasteNews.com reports that Wal-Mart will be expanding the plastic bag recycling program it first launched as a pilot program, "Wal-Mart Kids Recycling Challenge," in May 2005 in three cities and then statewide in California in January 2006. Now expanding to 12 states total, the program helps elementary school students become environmental stewards while simultaneously helping earn money for their schools.  

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is expanding its partnership with elementary schools to recycle plastic shopping bags.

Schools that join the program receive a 60-gallon collection bag from Wal-Mart, which encourages students to bring in plastic retail and grocery bags for recycling. The program will run from Sept. 1 through March 30.

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Plastic bag litter and overuse continues to be a problem in California. AB 2449 (Levine) hopes to reduce plastic bag waste by offering take backs and recycling of  plastic bags and will be heard TODAY, June 19, in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

What You Can Do:

• Send an email to your Legislator asking for support on AB 2449.
• Send an AB 2449 support letter on behalf of your organization.