Build with Bags™ is a program by Iowa grocers to encourage the recycling of plastic bags. It is a cooperative effort of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Keep Iowa Beautiful, the Des Moines Area Metro Waste Authority, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and The Des Moines Register aimed at: 1) Doubling the amount of plastic bags recycled over the next 24 months; 2) Reducing consumption of plastic bags; 3) Increasing use of reusable bags; and 4) Encouraging purchases of furniture and equipment made from recycled plastic through a grant program for parks and schools.

 

The cornerstone of the Build with Bags program is the grant program aimed at providing funding for schools and parks to purchase equipment made of recycled plastic. This program will be funded by IGIA participants, together with matching funds that will be sought from other sources. The idea is to connect the grant funds to revenues generated from the recycling of plastic bags. The grant program will provide funds to make the purchase of recycled plastic furniture and equipment (such as benches, tables or playground equipment) more affordable.