Soft plastics are everywhere. From food and drink packaging to wrapping for new products, it’s almost unavoidable. This type of plastic has become a big part of our daily lives across Australia and the wider world. And while they are super convenient, soft plastics come with a whole host of environmental challenges.
Arguably the most significant challenge related to soft plastics has been recycling. Traditionally, many types of soft plastics were not recyclable, or it simply wasn’t worth it to recycle them. However, technology now allows us to recycle these plastics too… though much of the time, they still end up in landfills.
At Sydney City Rubbish, we’ve recently started offering collection and recycling for soft plastics, for businesses all over Sydney CBD. We’re trying to make it easier than ever to recycle wrappers and bags. As part of this quest, we’re putting together helpful content about this type of waste, providing clarity and actionable advice.
Looking for a quote for soft plastic recycling? Click here. Otherwise, read on below to find out what’s bad about soft plastics, how to identify them, how to recycle them, and anything else you need to know!
What is soft plastic?
Generally speaking, soft plastics are the kinds of plastic that you can easily scrunch or twist in your hand. Think of everyday items like plastic bags, bread wrappers, cling wrap, bubble wrap, and food packaging. Unlike “rigid plastics,” such as certain bottles or containers that keep their shape when squeezed, soft plastics are much more flexible.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some plastics that are more firm, are still classed as soft plastics. This is why it’s always important to take a look at the label when choosing where to place them once they’ve been used. On a more scientific level, soft plastics are those made from one of either low-density polyethene (LDPE), high-density polyethene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).
Types of soft plastics
Here are some common examples of soft plastics:
- Plastic shopping bags: The single-use bags you get from supermarkets or clothing stores.
- Food packaging: Things like potato chip packets, pasta bags, and candy wrappers.
- Bubble wrap: Often used for packaging and shipping.
- Cling film: The stretchy plastic used to cover food.
- Bread bags: The thin plastic covering that wraps loaves of bread.
Not all soft plastics are the same, though. Some can be harder to recycle because of the type of plastic used or contamination from food or other materials.
What’s the problem with soft plastic?
The problem is pollution. Did you know that Australians produce more soft plastic per capita than any other country in the world except for Singapore? The figure sits at a staggering 148 kg of soft plastics each year, for every citizen, as of 2020-21.
Soft plastics, while super convenient, come with significant environmental challenges. The main problem is that most soft plastics can’t go into your regular kerbside recycling bin, often ending up in landfills, waterways, or the ocean. Because they are lightweight and flexible, they easily get blown around, adding to litter in a major way.
On top of that, soft plastics take hundreds of years to break down. As they slowly decompose, they can break into tiny pieces called microplastics, which contaminate soil, water, and even the food we eat. This is especially dangerous for marine animals, who might mistake the plastic for food, leading to serious harm or even death.
The process of soft plastic recycle
Unlike rigid plastics, soft plastics can’t go into your standard recycling bin. This is because they can jam the sorting machines used in recycling facilities. However, there are dedicated recycling facilities with certain drop-off points where you can take your soft plastics there. In this dedicated facility, soft plastics undergo a recycling process which, in general, looks like this:
Collection
Used soft plastics, such as plastic bags, wrappers, and other flexible packaging, will first be gathered. Unlike hard plastics, soft plastics can’t go in your regular curbside recycling bins because they can jam up the machines at standard recycling facilities. Instead, they’re collected through special recycling programs, often at drop-off points in supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi.
In Australia, programs like REDcycle used to offer convenient drop-off spots up until 2022. Now, they are gone, with a new initiative emerging in February 2024 called the Soft Plastic Task Force.
Cleaning and Sorting
After collection, the soft plastics head to a recycling facility, where they’re cleaned and sorted. Any contaminants, like food residue, labels, or adhesives, need to be removed to keep the recycling process running smoothly.
The plastics are then sorted by type since different kinds have unique melting points and properties. Sorting can be done manually or with advanced tech like infrared sorting to make sure everything’s in the right place.
Shredding
Once cleaned and sorted, the plastics are shredded into small pieces or flakes. Shredding reduces the size of the plastic, prepping it for the next step. It also increases the surface area, making it easier to melt and mould into new products. These smaller pieces blend better with other materials too, which might be necessary depending on the product being created.
Melting
Next, the shredded plastic is heated up just enough to make it soft and pliable, but not fully melted into a liquid. The temperature depends on the type of plastic. At this stage, things like stabilisers or colourants might be added to improve the final product. The goal is to get the plastic ready for reshaping without compromising its quality.
Repurposing
After melting, the plastic is reshaped and repurposed into new products. These could be plastic pellets, which are used to make things like outdoor furniture, building materials, or packaging. Sometimes, soft plastics are even used for unconventional products like clothing, accessories, building insulation, or as fillers in park benches. Repurposing helps close the loop on plastic waste, cutting down on the need for new plastic and conserving resources.
Soft plastic recycling in Australia
Australia has been making slow progress in tackling the soft plastic recycling issue. Programs like the REDcycle, where you could drop off your soft plastics at the supermarket, were a big deal. But unfortunately, it hit a snag and had to shut down in 2022, leaving a bit of a hole in our recycling system.
New updates
In February 2024, a new soft plastics recycling scheme emerged, involving some of the biggest supermarket chains in the country. Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi are the launching partners of the initiative, which aims to address the issue of soft plastic waste by providing more accessible soft plastics recycling bins for consumers.
This comes in response to growing environmental concerns and the collapse of the previous REDcycle program, which left a gap in soft plastics recycling services. The task force assumed responsibility for roughly 11,000 tonnes of soft plastic, formerly managed by REDcycle, across 44 locations across Australia.
Set up soft plastic recycling in Sydney
If you want to keep it simple and easy, consider using Sydney City Rubbish’s soft plastic recycling service. We offer convenient pickup options, ensuring your soft plastics are properly recycled without the hassle of transporting them to collection points. We’ll supply you with bins and organise a schedule that works for everyone.
Click here for a free quote for soft plastics removal and recycling.
FAQs about soft plastics and recycling programs
Are soft plastics recyclable?
Yes, soft plastics can be recycled, but they don’t go in your regular recycling bin. Things like plastic bags, food wrappers, and bubble wrap need to be dropped off at special collection points, often found in supermarkets. These plastics can’t be processed with your regular recyclables because they can jam up the sorting machines, but when handled properly, they get turned into things like outdoor furniture or new plastic products.
What soft plastics cannot be recycled?
Not all soft plastics can be recycled. For example, anything that’s dirty, like greasy takeaway wrappers, can’t be recycled. Also, biodegradable or compostable plastics are a no-go for regular recycling because they break down differently. Then you’ve got multi-layered plastics like chip bags, which are tricky because they’re made of different materials. So, if it’s too complex or contaminated, it’s probably not recyclable.
Can soft plastics go in the recycling bin?
Nope, soft plastics don’t belong in your regular recycling bin. They can mess up the machines at recycling centres by getting tangled in them. Instead, you need to take your soft plastics to special drop-off points, usually at your local supermarket. It’s a bit of extra effort, but it makes a big difference for keeping the recycling system running smoothly.
Is Woolworths taking soft plastics?
At the moment, Woolworths has paused their soft plastic recycling program due to some processing challenges. But don’t worry—they’re working on getting things back on track. Recently, they returned to soft plastic recycling initiatives by providing drop-off points in several areas in Melbourne. While it’s still a trial, it’s a positive sign that Woolworths is actively exploring ways to resume their soft plastic recycling program. Hopefully, we’ll see those collection bins cover our areas soon!
Is it worth recycling soft plastics?
Absolutely! Recycling soft plastics is totally worth it because it helps keep them out of landfills and the ocean. Soft plastics are a huge contributor to pollution, and giving them a second life through recycling helps reduce the need for new plastic production. It might take a bit more effort to recycle them, but it’s a small step with a big environmental impact.
How to recycle soft plastic?
To recycle soft plastics, rinse and clean them to remove food residue, then flatten or ball them up to save space. Look for local recycling programs that accept soft plastics, such as supermarkets or commercial soft plastic recycling services. Depending on the program or service, you may need to drop off your soft plastics at a designated location or schedule a pickup.
Does Aldi recycle soft plastics?
Yes, Aldi used to recycle soft plastics through the REDcycle program, which was available in their stores. However, due to issues with the REDcycle program in 2022, Aldi and other supermarkets in Australia temporarily paused their soft plastic recycling efforts. In February 2024, a new soft plastic recycling scheme was introduced, bringing back Aldi in the game. Aldi operates this new scheme in two of their stores.
What can soft plastics be recycled into?
Soft plastics, once collected and processed, can be recycled into a variety of useful products. They are often turned into items like outdoor furniture, plastic pellets, and construction materials. Recycled soft plastics can also be used to create road surfaces, fence posts, park benches, and even soft toys made from recycled plastic. This process helps reduce landfill waste and promotes the sustainable use of plastics by giving them a second life in different industries.
Where can I recycle my soft plastics?
In Australia, soft plastics can be recycled at various collection points, typically located at major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, though the REDcycle program faced challenges in 2022. Community recycling initiatives, local councils, and some specialised recycling centres also offer soft plastic recycling services. To ensure the correct drop-off point, you can check with your local council or explore available supermarket recycling programs that accept soft plastics for responsible disposal.
