Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about recycled plastic products, outdoor furniture, plastic lumber, engraving, or ordering?
Find answers to some of the most common questions about Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls and our products below.
About Our Recycled Plastic Products
What are your recycled plastic products made from?
Our outdoor products are made from at least 96% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastic by weight. A small amount of additives is incorporated into the material to provide color, UV stability, and other performance characteristics.
Using recovered plastic helps keep usable material in circulation while creating durable products for parks, schools, businesses, municipalities, and other applications.
Where are your recycled plastic products made?
Our recycled plastic products are made in the USA at our facility in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls began processing mixed plastic and manufacturing products from recycled materials in 1986.
Today, our products are used by municipalities, businesses, parks, schools, government agencies, and other organizations throughout the country.
What are the benefits of recycled plastic compared with wood?
Recycled plastic does not rot or splinter and does not require routine painting, staining, sanding, or sealing. It also resists moisture, insects, and changing weather conditions, making it well suited for outdoor use.
While wood may have a lower initial cost in some applications, recycled plastic can reduce ongoing maintenance and replacement needs over time.
How do recycled plastic products hold up outdoors?
Our recycled plastic products are designed for outdoor environments where they may be exposed to sun, rain, snow, moisture, and changing temperatures. The material resists rot, warping, splintering, moisture damage, and insect activity. UV stabilizers are incorporated into the material to help protect it from UV degradation.
Do recycled plastic products require much maintenance?
Recycled plastic products require very little routine maintenance compared with many traditional materials. They do not need to be painted, stained, sanded, or sealed. Basic cleaning is usually all that is needed to keep the surface looking its best.
What colors are available for recycled plastic products?
Available colors vary by product and configuration. Because our products are manufactured from recycled source materials, slight color variations may occur from one production run to another. Check the individual product page or contact us for the current color options available for the product you are considering.
Outdoor Furniture and Recreational Products
What types of recycled plastic outdoor products do you offer?
Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls manufactures a variety of products for outdoor and commercial applications. Our product lines include park benches, picnic tables, planters, trash receptacles, traffic control products, plastic lumber, and other recycled plastic products. These products are designed for applications ranging from parks and schools to businesses, trails, industrial facilities, and public spaces.
Are recycled plastic products suitable for parks, schools, and public spaces?
Yes. Recycled plastic products are well suited for areas that receive regular use and exposure to outdoor conditions.
Our benches, picnic tables, planters, and other products are used in parks, schools, trails, campgrounds, campuses, businesses, and other public and private spaces. Their moisture resistance and low maintenance requirements make them a practical choice for many high-use environments.
Can recycled plastic park benches be permanently mounted?
Yes. A permanent bench mount kit is also available for securing the bench to concrete.
Permanent mounting can provide additional security in parks, schools, memorial areas, public spaces, and other locations where theft or unwanted movement may be a concern. Other mounting configurations are also available on select bench models.
How do I clean recycled plastic products?
Most recycled plastic products can be cleaned with soap and water. Use a mild disinfectant when needed. Because the material is nonporous, dirt and moisture stay on the surface, making routine cleaning easy.
Recycled Plastic Lumber
What is recycled plastic lumber?
Recycled plastic lumber is an alternative to traditional wood made from recovered plastic materials such as milk jugs and detergent bottles. It is formed into boards usable in a variety of outdoor, agricultural, municipal, and industrial applications. Our plastic lumber contains no wood fillers and is manufactured in Iowa from recycled plastic.
Can recycled plastic lumber be used for structural applications?
No. Do not use our recycled plastic lumber for structural or load-bearing applications. It can be a good option for many nonstructural uses, including landscaping, docks, boardwalks, garden beds, agricultural applications, equipment supports, and custom-fabricated parts. Always consider the requirements of your particular project before selecting a material.
Can plastic lumber be cut and drilled like wood?
Yes. You can cut, drill, and fasten our plastic lumber with standard tools. For cutting, we recommend using a standard construction blade rather than a fine-toothed blade. This makes recycled plastic lumber adaptable to many projects where traditional lumber would otherwise be used.
How long does recycled plastic lumber last?
Our plastic lumber is designed to provide more than 25 years of service in demanding environments when properly selected and used. It resists moisture, rot, decay, splitting, insects, and other common problems associated with traditional wood. Because it does not require painting, staining, or sealing, it can also reduce maintenance over its service life.
Engraving and Memorial Products
What recycled plastic products can be engraved?
Personalized engraving is available on our recycled plastic products, including park benches, picnic tables, trash and recycling receptacles, planters, signs, and custom products. Engraving can be used for memorials, donor recognition, dedications, sponsorships, park identification, and other personalized applications. Contact us to discuss the options available for your specific product and design.
Can you engrave logos or custom artwork?
Yes. We can engrave company logos, organization emblems, clip art, and other custom designs. A vectorized artwork file is recommended to help achieve a clean, sharp result. Engraved areas can also be enhanced with color inlays for greater visibility.
How long does engraving last on recycled plastic?
Engraving is permanent because the design is cut directly into the recycled plastic surface rather than applied as a decal or surface coating. This allows the engraving to remain with the product throughout its service life. It is a durable option for outdoor memorials, donor recognition, identification, and personalized messages.
Can I create a custom memorial bench?
Yes. Our recycled plastic benches can be personalized to create a lasting memorial or dedication. Names, dates, meaningful messages, quotes, logos, and artwork can be engraved directly into the bench, and engraved plaques are also available for certain designs. Our team can help you determine the engraving option that works best for your memorial project.
Ordering, Quotes, and Warranty
What warranty do your recycled plastic products include?
Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls provides a limited warranty to the original retail purchaser of covered recycled products. The warranty provides replacement for qualifying breakage for five years, qualifying sagging for ten years, and defects caused by rot, termite infestation, or corrosion for fifty years. Damage caused by abuse, misapplication, or improper installation is excluded, and customers should review the complete Limited Warranty for all terms and requirements.
How do I request a quote or get help choosing a product?
Complete our Contact Us form and tell us about your project, product category, and specific needs. You can also reach Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls by calling 800-338-1438 or emailing orders@plasticrecycling.us. Our team can help you compare available products, sizes, configurations, and options for your project.
