The program was set up as a pilot program. Over the last year, we have learned some things and are prepared to move forward with a permanent program.
Hefty ReNew has been recycling hard to recycle plastics for several years. They are partners with Dow Corp. and support the development of new uses for plastics. They have multiple end markets for the materials including ByFusion.
Tucson residents have been enthusiastic supporters of the ByFusion efforts and have been dropping off much more than ByFusion can process. Working with Hefty ReNew will ensure that ByFusion receives as much material as they can handle, but also ensures that excess materials can be sent to other end markets.
We are asking residents to use Hefty ReNew bags to drop off materials. Hefty ReNew bags are available in Fry’s and Walmart in Tucson. List of store locations hefty.com/products/hefty-renew/renew-communities/arizona/tucson-program
Hard-to-recycle plastics only. ByFusion has seen an increase in contamination and has asked that materials dropped off in orange bins be made up of single-use plastics. The drop-off program is intended for residential use only.
In addition to the flexible plastics used by ByFusion, the Hefty ReNew program will accept polystyrene (Styrofoam™) such as packing peanuts, foam packing blocks, and foam clamshells.
Any container, bottle, or jug that is a Number 1, 2, or 5 plastic is accepted in the blue bins. These materials are in great demand in the U.S. and are widely used. This does include clamshells.
Plastic bottles, jugs and containers (#1, #2 & #5) should be put in blue barrels or blue dumpsters at Neighborhood Recycling Centers.
Yes, any clear bag. Please do not drop off materials in a black bag. We need to be able to inside see the contents of bag. After July 1, we ask residents to use the Hefty ReNew bags. This will allow us to reduce the contamination we are seeing at the drop off sites.
Hefty and ByFusion have entered into an agreement where ByFusion will have first right of refusal for material collected in Tucson. This agreement will remain in place when the ByFusion facility is opened and running in Tucson.
Currently, the program is drop-off only. The City will only set up drop-off sites within City limits, however, there is nothing to prohibit county residents from using the drop-off sites. If the Hefty Renew bags become acceptable in curbside collection, the City will only be able to accept from City customers. It is likely that a few drop-off sites will continue to be available for residents who live in apartments. This would allow for county residents to continue to use the drop-off sites.
https://www.hefty.com/products/hefty-renew/hefty-renew-accepted-items)
All bags should be empty and dry. They do not have to be washed.
Other plastic – prescription bottles, plastic utensils/cutlery, straws, cd cases, dvd cases
No. We are asking residents to use the Hefty Renew bags effective July 1st. This will help to reduce contamination and support quality control.
Commercial and industrial plastics that are considered contamination include car parts (from body shop), PVC sheets that come from commercial printer, PVC piping, film plastic from commercial printer. These materials were coming in large quantities which negatively impacts the recyclability of household plastics.
No, however, these would be acceptable in the blue bin program
If the program moves to curbside containers, it will be up to the private haulers to decide to accept the bags.
Yes. If the package has a recycling triangle with 4-7 it is acceptable in the Hefty ReNew Bags.
The Hefty ReNew Bags are made with 20% recycled content.
The Hefty ReNew bags will support quality control and minimize processing costs.
Yes. Hefty ReNew and ByFusion are long-time partners and have entered into an agreement where ByFusion will have priority for materials generated in Tucson. The excess that ByFusion cannot process will be sent to other end users.
We cannot guarantee that people will not contaminate just as we can’t guarantee they won’t contaminate blue bins. It is expected that people who go to the trouble of purchasing and dropping off the materials will want to recycle correctly.
Hefty works with multiple end markets including ByFusion. They will pay for the processing of the material and transport to ByFusion and other end markets.
Yes
After July 1, materials in the Hefty ReNew bags will be baled and transported to end users including ByFusion. Currently there is a substantial amount of plastics stored and a decision hasn’t been made about what will be done. Contamination has made these materials unusable by both ByFusion and Hefty ReNew.
Yes. Products smaller than a tennis ball will not make it through the local recycling facility. These can go in the Hefty ReNew bags.
All packaging placed in Hefty Renew bags should be empty. You don’t have to wash but most packaging should only have trace amounts of food.
No, but lotion tubes can
#3 plastics should go in trash.
Small random household plastics should be fine in Hefty bags.
Hefty ReNew will prioritize materials to go to ByFusion. Excess will be sent to other end users with a priority to mechanical recycling.
Yes. Foil lined bags should be thrown in trash.
Look for recycling arrows. If it is a 4-7 it should go in Hefty ReNew bags.
ByBlock Testing & Stability: For information, you may take a look at our FAQs on our website.
ByBlocks are available in two ways
1) Through ByFusion's website. Who sells to general contractors on a project basis.
2) ByFusion works directly with companies, associations, and homeowners on their design ideas and provide them with ByBlock, fasteners, materials (in some cases), and the installation/assembly procedures for their design. Contact ByFusion on their website.
Our first message is always to reduce your single-use plastics, but some are unavoidable! This program and the Hefty ReNew bags allow us to recycle Styrofoam and other film plastics, a material that would otherwise end up in the landfill!