Unwrapping the Future: Scaling Plastic Film Recycling Through Pilot Programs and Master Service Agreements

Plastic film waste is a pervasive challenge for municipal recycling systems, often excluded from curbside collection due to contamination issues, entanglement in MRF equipment, and volatility of markets. Montgomery County, Maryland, in partnership with the vendor Turbohaul, launched a pilot program that dramatically redefined expectations: in just four months, film contamination dropped from 78% to 0%.

This session explores the strategies that led to this remarkable turnaround and how this scalable model can inform similar efforts nationwide. Key to the program's success was the close collaboration between Turbohaul and Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection, particularly in education and capacity-building among staff at the resource recovery facility. By creating designated collection sites and requiring film to be clean, dry, and baled before transport, the partnership ensured a high-quality material stream that retained value to end-users despite a historically unstable commodities market. On average, 1,050 pounds of film were collected and recycled each month.

Attendees will learn how smart logistics, clear communication protocols (including 48-hour turnaround for container switch-outs), and targeted education can overcome contamination challenges. The presentation will also explore end-use markets, including Turbohaul recycling partners Trex Company, Champion Polymer Recycling, and Waste Management’s plastic pellet producers.

About the Speaker

Diana McKenney
Project Manager, TRUE Certified Advisor | Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority

Diana McKenney (they/them) is a Project Manager at the Authority, where they support environmental remediation, communications, and sustainable materials and waste management initiatives across its eight Member Jurisdictions. They hold a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Richmond and bring experience from diverse fields including food systems, finance, and scrap tire regulation. Outside of work, Diana serves as Webmaster of the Mokoma Conservancy and volunteers at their synagogue, Hinenu.