Lake Ray Roberts Equestrian Trails Association - LRRETA

A Community Success Story from LRRETA

Since May 2021, the Lake Ray Roberts Equestrian Trails Association (LRRETA) has transformed plastic waste into durable park benches, keeping thousands of pounds of plastic out of our landfills through the TREX Bags for Benches Program.

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WHAT WE DO

Here's how we turn plastic bags into park benches:

​Every week, LRRETA local partners, non-profit groups, members, and volunteers collect stretchable plastic from their homes and local businesses. This plastic is then

• placed into 55-gallon drum liners

• weighed and logged

• delivered to TREX-approved collection sites such as Brookshire's (Pilot Point), WinCo, Albertson’s, and Kroger

We record weekly totals online through My TREX, helping us track progress and remain eligible for rewards.

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OUR LOCAL PARTNERS

We’re grateful to these local businesses who participate by collecting plastic from product unpackaging:

• Ray Roberts Lake State Park Administration

• Dennard’s Western Store

• D&L Farm and Home (Aubrey, TX)

• Pilot Point Feed (Pilot Point, TX)

A special thank-you goes to Home Depot in North Denton, which generously donated the 55-gallon drum liners that make this work possible!

 

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Since the program began, LRRETA has recycled over 27,000 pounds of stretchable plastic! That’s 13.5 tons that are not in a North Texas landfill.

By reaching the TREX milestone of 1,000 pounds recycled per year, we’ve earned:

• 13 benches placed at Ray Roberts State Park

• 2 benches donated to the new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in Strawn, TX

 

COLLABORATION IS KEY

LRRETA has also partnered with other nonprofit groups to expand this program’s reach, including:

• 4-H Silver Saddle

• Sanger Saddle Club

• Texas Equestrian Trails Association (TETRA)

• Aubrey Historical Society

• Keep Aubrey Beautiful

 

VOLUNTEER SHOUT-OUT

This project is possible thanks to the dedication of LRRETA members who volunteer their time every week. 

Margaret & John Rabbitt • Hal & Pam Meltzer • Cathy Milliger • Diana Hobbs
Linda Moore • Cathy Champ • Gail Cotton Michaud • Val Freeman
Nicole Gregory • Averie Moore • Lorrie Gibbs • Amy Yoste

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Your commitment truly makes a difference!

 

GET INVOLVED!

Are you interested in helping reduce plastic waste and support our trails and parks?

• Start collecting stretchable plastic at home

• Volunteer for weekly pickups

• Spread the word to local businesses

 

EVERY BAG COUNTS! EVERY BENCH MATTERS!

To volunteer, visit https://www.lrreta.com/volunteer

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Are you in a non-profit club and interested in this program for your own organization? Visit https://nextrex.com/view/recyclingchallenge#programs1