Soft Plastics Recycling Trial
Soft plastics represent a significant portion of our waste, yet they often end up in landfills due to challenges in recycling them through standard facilities, resulting in environmental concerns. In response to this pressing issue, partnering with Recycle Smart, Wingecarribee Shire Council is launching a Soft Plastics Recycling Trial. This initiative aims to address the problem by implementing a dedicated collection system at the Resource Recovery Centre, running until June 2025, in pursuit of a sustainable solution
If the Soft Plastics Recycling Trial proves successful, we aim to continue and expand this service, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable practices within our community. Remember not everything is a soft plastic, to find out more scroll down to view our resources and facts.
Where can I drop off Soft Plastics?
The collection point or drop-off point for soft plastics during the trial period will be the Community Recycling Centre, located within the Resource Recovery Centre.
Soft Plastics Recycling Trial will begin accepting items from Monday 1 April 2024
When will the trial start?
Soft Plastics Recycling Trial will begin accepting items from Monday 1 April 2024.
What happens to the soft plastics?
Soft plastics collected at the Community Recycling Centre are stored onsite and scheduled for monthly collection by Recycle Smart. Once collected, the soft plastics are baled and transported to APR Plastics in Victoria for processing. At APR Plastics, the plastics undergo shredding to ensure consistent feeding into the processing line.
The shredded plastics are then fed into the Biofabrik WASTX pyrolysis machine, where a specially designed corkscrew conveyor transports them into the reactor, breaking them down at high temperatures. This process converts the plastics into feedstock oil, which is subsequently sent to VIVA Energy’s Geelong refinery for further processing into resin. This resin facilitates the transformation of the material back into food-grade plastic packaging.
To prevent stockpiling concerns akin to past incidents, such as those encountered by Red Cycle, a proactive strategy is adopted. Product collection occurs monthly at the Community Recycling Centre in Moss Vale, with Recycle Smart managing the logistics of transportation directly to APR Plastics. This streamlined process not only addresses stockpiling risks but also advances a circular economy model by effectively recycling plastic waste into valuable resources.
What is the cost for disposal of soft plasitc?
During the trial period, soft plastic can be dropped off for free at the designated drop-off point at the Community Recycling Centre.
How long is this trial being run for?
The Soft Plastics Recycling Trial will continue until June 2025. During this time, we'll gather feedback and data to learn more about how the service is working
How can I tell what is a 'Soft Plastic'?
Soft plastic is a material that can be scrunched in your hand, and remain in a 'ball' like shape for more than a few seconds, the material may expand slightly after the compression. Alternatively, you may wish to look for the Australasian Recycling Label, this clearly identifies the recyclability of a material and the instructions of disposal.
What items can I drop off?
- Biscuit packaging
- Bread bags
- Bubble wrap
- Cereal box liners
- Chocolate wrappers
- Citrus netting bags
- Cling wraps
- Confectionary packets and bags
- Courier satchels
- Fresh produce bags
- Frozen foods bags
- Muesli bar wrappers
- Newspaper wrap
- Pasta and noodle packaging
- Plastic film
- Plastic sachets
- Reusable shopping/grocery bags
- Rice bags
- Shopping centre plastic bags
- Silver lined chip bags
- Snap-lock bags
- Squeeze pouches
- Sturdy pet food bags
What items are NOT accepted?
These items listed are materials that will not be accepted.
- Biodegradable/compostable plastics
- Drinking straws
- Rigid plastic containers
- Laminated materials