Soft plastics, the kind that can be scrunched into a ball, are among the biggest problems in the kerbside recycling system. In fact 8 out of 10 councils consider them the number one problem as they get caught in the recycling machinery.*
The good news is these plastics can be recycled at many supermarkets. The bad news, as revealed in research done for Recycling Week, is that only 22% of people know about the program!
This free program is made possible through RedCycle, which has worked with Coles and Woolworths/Safeway Supermarkets to set up collection bins in stores across most metro areas of Australia.
The cost of collecting and processing the material is covered by many of Australia’s best-known manufacturers (including the Planet Ark Endorsed Naturale Toilet Tissue.)
The plastic is made into furniture for schools and kindergartens among other things.
What You Can Recycle
Check out RedCycle's comprehensive list here.
You can recycle
- Plastic shopping bags
- Bread, rice, pasta, lolly and cereal bags
- Biscuit packs (but not the trays)
- Frozen food bags
- Bubble wrap
- Fruit and veg bags and netting
- Toilet paper packaging and similar product packaging
- Old green bags (and other re-usable bags)
Please make sure your plastic is dry and as empty as possible.
*There are a handful of councils that can accept bags and soft plastic in the recycling: Busselton in WA; as well as Booroondara, Nillumbik, Hobson's Bay and Cardinia Shire Council in VIC. Always follow the instructions provided by your specific council.
For more information about single-use plastics, click here.
