When it comes to being more vigilant about your waste, you might be wondering, can I recycle soft plastic? The short answer is yes, but there’s much more to it than just tossing it in your recycling bin. There are a number of challenges to recycling this kind of plastic, but at Sydney City Rubbish, we aim to make it easier than ever.
Soft plastic refers to a variety of flexible plastic materials, such as grocery bags, bubble wrap, cling wrap, and plastic packaging for snacks, toys, and other products. Basically, that’s any kind of plastic material that can easily be scrunched in your hand (but some soft plastics can be stronger). Recycling these plastics is a great result for the environment.
At Sydney City Rubbish, we’ve recently introduced our soft plastics recycling program for businesses and residential complexes. We’re dedicated to creating more sustainable outcomes for waste, and being able to facilitate recycling for soft plastics is a huge win for us, all Sydneysiders, and the environment.
Find out more about our soft plastic recycling program here, and read on to find out more about whether you can recycle soft plastics… and how!
Can soft plastic be recycled?
Yes, soft plastic can be recycled, but it’s not as straightforward as recycling other types of plastic. Soft plastics are often made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is technically recyclable but requires specialised processing.
The problem with soft plastics is that their lightweight and flexible nature makes them tricky to handle in conventional recycling systems. If soft plastics are mixed with other recyclables, they can cause problems for the sorting machines in recycling facilities. They often get caught in the machinery, creating jams and delays, which is why you can’t just recycle soft plastic like you would a plastic bottle or a milk carton.
Another problem is contamination. Soft plastics can easily become contaminated with food residue or other substances, which can make them unsuitable for recycling. Even a small amount of contamination can render a batch of soft plastics unusable. That’s why thorough cleaning is essential before these plastics can be recycled.
Can I recycle soft plastic?
While it’s great to have the enthusiasm to recycle, say at home, with all the convenience it offers, soft plastics aren’t something you can typically recycle on your own. There’s no easy way to melt them down or repurpose them in a home environment, or at work.
Most households and even businesses don’t have access to the specialised equipment needed to handle soft plastics. So, if you’re wondering, can I recycle soft plastic at home, the answer is no, not in the way you might recycle or repurpose other household materials.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options… at Sydney City Rubbish, we’re here to facilitate soft plastic recycling for businesses and residential complexes of all sizes.
Can you put soft plastic in the recycling bin?
A lot of people make this mistake, putting soft plastics in the curbside recycling bin with the assumption that all plastic is created equal. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. It’s not recommended to put soft plastic in your regular recycling bin alongside your bottles, cans, and cardboard.
While some recycling facilities may accept certain types of soft plastic, it can contaminate other recyclable materials and cause processing problems. It’s best to check with your local waste management authority for specific guidelines, or work with waste management experts like Sydney City Rubbish!
Deal with your soft plastic waste in Sydney
We’re here to help you solve the problem of dealing with soft plastics. Our services include soft plastic bins that we drop off, you fill it up, and then we take away! We’ll transport these plastics to a certified recycling centre, that is able to take these wrappers and bags and return them to the manufacturing cycle.
Click here for a free rubbish removal quote today!
FAQs about soft plastics
Can soft plastics be recycled in kerbside bins?
No, soft plastics cannot be recycled in standard kerbside recycling bins in most areas. They often get tangled in sorting machinery. Instead, they should be taken to dedicated soft plastic recycling programs or collection points, typically found in supermarkets.
Why is it important to recycle soft plastics?
Recycling soft plastics helps reduce landfill waste, prevent environmental pollution, and conserve natural resources. Recycled soft plastics can be used to create new products like park benches, decking, and outdoor furniture.
How do I know if a piece of plastic is a soft plastic?
In general, you can determine if a plastic is classified as soft plastic by performing the “scrunch test.” Simply take the plastic in your hand and try to scrunch it into a ball. If it holds its shape when scrunched and feels flexible, it is considered a soft plastic. Examples include bread bags, chip packets, and cling wrap.
