New recycling scheme to divert more than 1000 tonnes waste from Clarence landfill
More than two years after the collapse of Australia’s largest soft plastics recycling scheme, some Southern Tasmanian residents now have a responsible way to dispose of more waste. Where to find new soft-plastic collection points.
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More than 2 years after the collapse of Australia’s largest soft plastics recycling scheme Clarence residents now have a responsible way to dispose of more waste.
In a southern Tasmanian first Clarence City Council has launched a soft-plastics recycling service, partnering with RecycleSmart.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley said last year alone more than 1,420 tonnes of soft plastics ended up in landfill in Clarence, costing upwards of $230,000.
“Soft plastics are a challenging material to recycle through our standard kerbside
collections and recycling facilities. So when opportunities to partner with service
providers like RecycleSmart pop up they are incredibly important,” Mr Blomeley said.
The collected soft plastics will be processed and repurposed into new materials- contributing to a circular economy and reducing the demand for virgin plastic production.
Mr Blomeley said the service was a significant step towards minimising waste and a more sustainable future.
“As we move towards a greener future, we invite residents, local businesses, and
organisations to join us in this initiative and help create a cleaner, healthier
environment for generations to come,” he said.
Soft-plastic is defined as lightweight plastic that can be scrunched up in the hand e.g. plastic bags, plastic food wrapping and chip packets.
RedCycle was a soft plastic recycling program which began in 2010 and was suspended in 2022. Since that time, consumers have had no other option but to throw-out their soft plastics into landfill.
From February 14 Clarence has two new soft-plastics collection points which will be located at the Second Chance Re-Use ship at Mornington Waste Transfer Station and at the Glebe Hill Shopping Centre.
The soft plastics will then be baled and transported to be processed by RecycleSmart’s recycling partners in Victoria who break down the plastic into feedstock oil which can be turned back into food grade plastic packaging.
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Originally published as New recycling scheme to divert more than 1000 tonnes waste from Clarence landfill
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