It’s time to start (or keep) collecting those scrunchable soft plastics. Wollongong City Council’s next drop-off is on Saturday 25 October at Ray Robinson Oval, Towradgi.
Residents are invited to collect and bring along clean, dry and empty soft plastic packaging — like plastic bags, snack and chip packets, pasta, bread and rice bags, cling and bubble wrap, mail sachets, and pet food bags—to be bailed up and recycled.
The free collection program is being coordinated by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO), and supported by Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia, on behalf of member councils Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said residents have been asking for an avenue to recycle their soft plastics since the REDcycle program ended.
“That message was heard loud and clear through our waste strategy engagement and the successful soft plastic and cardboard events we held in December,” she said.
Cr Brown then laid down a challenge:
“Last year, residents brought us 814 kilograms of soft plastics over three days. Then, Shellharbour City Council collected 500 kilos in one day at Albion Park.
“We have more people, so I’d like to challenge Wollongong residents to help us raise the bar with a tonne, 1000 kilos, of soft plastics recycled!
“While this isn’t a permanent fix for soft plastics, ISJO and Wollongong City Council are committed to working alongside residents and industry to reduce waste to landfill and create a greener future for the region.
“Get collecting and I’ll see you there on 25 October!”
ISJO Sustainability and Waste Manager Yvette Barrs explained the soft plastics will be baled and transported to iQRenew in Taree.
“The soft plastics will be recycled into high-grade plastic feedstock tailored to meet manufacturing specifications for a diverse range of products, including construction and agricultural products,” said Ms Barrs.
