Omar Khalid
Plastic packaging waste is a significant environmental concern, with an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans annually. This waste not only harms marine life but also poses risks to human health. While recycling plastic packaging is crucial, it's equally important to reduce and reuse packaging materials to minimise waste generation. Consumers play a vital role in sustainable packaging choices, such as opting for unpackaged or minimally packaged items and reusable bags. Understanding packaging labels and proper disposal methods, such as separating soft plastics for specialised recycling, is essential for effective waste management. Additionally, businesses should embrace sustainable practices, and governments should promote initiatives to enhance recycling systems and reduce plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste in Australia | 8 million tonnes of plastic dumped into the ocean each year |
| Plastic packaging waste | 1.9 million tonnes per year |
| Recyclable plastic packaging | LDPE, HDPE, polystyrene, etc. |
| Non-recyclable plastic packaging | PVC, LDPE |
| Biodegradable packaging | Must be placed in a regular garbage bin |
| Recyclable packaging | Must be separated into glass, plastic, paper, and metal |
| Soft plastics | Cling film, pallet wrap, bubble wrap, large plastic bags |
| Soft plastics recycling | Cleanaway, Terracycle |
| Sustainable shopping | Compare products and choose unpackaged items, items with less packaging, and concentrates |
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What You'll Learn
How to recycle plastic packaging
Plastic packaging waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution. Plastic packaging and single-use plastic items make up a large proportion of the plastics that end up in our oceans, causing harm to marine life and the environment. As consumers, we can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste by properly disposing of and recycling plastic packaging. Here are some ways to recycle plastic packaging:
Understand Packaging Labels and Codes: Different types of plastic have specific recycling requirements. Learning how to interpret packaging labels and codes can help you recycle plastic packaging effectively. Look for symbols, such as the recyclable symbol (coloured recycling symbol) or the conditionally recyclable symbol (clear recycling symbol), which indicate whether the packaging can be placed in your kerbside recycling bin or requires special instructions for recycling.
Separate and Clean Plastics: Soft plastics, such as cling film, pallet wrap, and bubble wrap, can often be recycled through specialized soft plastics collection services. Ensure that these plastics are separated from other waste and are clean and dry to increase their recyclability. Some companies, like Cleanaway, offer customized bins and flexible collection services for soft plastics recycling.
Choose Sustainable Packaging: As a consumer, you can make informed choices when purchasing products. Opt for items with less packaging or packaging made from biodegradable materials. Avoid unnecessary food purchases, which can result in extra packaging waste. Consider buying in bulk using your own containers or choosing unpackaged items whenever possible.
Recycle through Specialized Services: Some types of plastic, such as polystyrene and certain types of LDPE and HDPE plastics, may not be accepted through your regular recycling bin. Instead, you can take these plastics to specialist recyclers like Terracycle or drop them off at major supermarkets that offer plastic recycling services.
Support the Right Initiatives: Australia has committed to improving its plastics recycling system and has joined global efforts to end plastic pollution. Support businesses and retailers that embrace sustainable practices, such as using packaging with ARL symbols that provide clear disposal instructions. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote recycling and reduce plastic waste.
By following these steps and staying informed about plastic packaging recycling, we can all contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
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Soft plastics disposal
Soft plastics are any plastic items that can be easily scrunched in your hand, including plastic bags. Soft plastics should not be put in household recycling bins as they can contaminate the recycling and cause problems at recycling facilities if they become entangled in the machinery.
Previously, soft plastics could be recycled through the REDcycle program, which had collection bins at supermarkets and other drop-off points. However, this program has been closed since November 2022 due to unforeseen challenges. As a result, most Australians have to put soft plastics in their garbage bins until an alternative service is established.
Some local councils are offering specialised soft plastics recycling services, so it is recommended to check directly with your council. For example, the Greater Dandenong Council in Victoria provides drop-off points for soft plastics recycling and accepts most coloured and printed soft plastics as long as they are clean and dry.
Businesses and workplaces with large quantities of soft plastics can visit Business Recycling to find recycling services in their area. Additionally, the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS) is trialling soft plastic collection in kerbside recycling bins in a few councils in NSW, SA, and Victoria.
To reduce soft plastic waste, it is recommended to minimise the use of plastic packaging, bring reusable bags for shopping, and support local businesses by buying from local farmers' markets, grocers, or markets.
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Avoid plastic packaging
Plastic packaging is a major contributor to plastic waste, with 14 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans each year, leaching harmful chemicals and breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by marine life. To avoid plastic packaging, here are some tips:
Firstly, when shopping, compare products and choose items with minimal or no packaging. Opt for unpackaged fresh produce at your local farmer's market or grocer, and bring your own reusable bags or containers to avoid single-use plastic bags. Some stores even allow you to use your own containers for bulk purchases. Avoid unnecessary food purchases that often come with extra packaging, and make a list of only the items you truly need before leaving home.
Secondly, switch to reusable alternatives for everyday items. For example, instead of using plastic tea bags or coffee pods, switch to loose tea leaves and ground coffee. You can also bake your own snacks, such as muesli bars, instead of buying individually packaged items.
Thirdly, reduce waste by growing your own food. Starting a balcony, wall, or indoor garden can help eliminate packaging waste and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Lastly, when giving gifts, avoid using wrapping paper that contains plastic, such as glittery or metallic paper. Instead, try using reusable bags, beeswax wraps, or tea towels to wrap your presents, or opt for brown paper for a sustainable touch.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your plastic packaging consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Sustainable shopping
Firstly, try to buy in bulk and avoid individually packaged goods. Buying in bulk reduces the amount of packaging waste per item and often saves money in the long run. You can bring your own containers and bags to refill at zero-waste shops and bulk stores, avoiding the plastic bags provided by grocery stores. Buying dried pantry staples, such as rice and beans, in bulk is a great way to start. You can also make your own snacks and treats, like granola, to avoid the plastic packaging of pre-made goods.
Secondly, when shopping, bring your own reusable bags and containers. This simple act reduces the need for single-use plastic bags and disposable containers. Reusable bags and containers can be used for a variety of purposes, from grocery shopping to packing a waste-free lunch. Avoid plastic wrap by storing food in reusable containers and using reusable cutlery and straws when eating on the go. Reusable straws made from metal or glass are durable and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.
Thirdly, be mindful of the products you buy and their packaging. Choose items with minimal packaging and opt for reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging where possible. Check for labels and symbols that indicate how to dispose of the packaging sustainably. Some packaging may be conditionally recyclable, requiring specific instructions to be followed for proper recycling. If a product's packaging is not recyclable, contact the company and express your concerns. More and more companies are listening to their customers' sustainability demands and embracing sustainable practices.
Finally, reduce, reuse, and recycle. The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. So, try to avoid single-use plastics and disposable items. Reuse whatever you can, such as durable plastic bags, bottles, containers, and takeaway food packaging. When reusing plastic, ensure it is thoroughly washed and cleaned. Recycle plastic bags, wraps, and films through dedicated recycling programs at grocery stores, as they often cannot be recycled through household recycling bins. Check with your local recycling program to understand which types of plastic they accept, as some plastics may not be recyclable in your community.
Remember, sustainable shopping is about making small changes that collectively make a significant impact. By reducing plastic waste, you are playing a vital role in protecting the environment and human health.
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Compostable packaging
When choosing products, consumers can look for compostable packaging and support companies that use it. This can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean. In Australia, for example, it is estimated that 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, and compostable packaging can help reduce this number.
Businesses and consumers can also reduce packaging waste by choosing products with less packaging or no packaging. For example, buying in bulk or using your own containers can reduce the amount of packaging needed. Consumers can also reuse bags they already have, such as backpacks or cloth bags, instead of accepting single-use plastic bags.
Additionally, consumers can support companies that provide clear labelling on their packaging, indicating how to dispose of it sustainably. Clear and accurate labelling helps consumers recycle correctly and reduces the amount of recyclable material that ends up in landfills due to contamination. By choosing products with compostable packaging and sustainable disposal methods, consumers can play a vital role in protecting the environment and reducing plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of plastic. Soft plastics, such as cling film, bubble wrap, and plastic bags, cannot be recycled in your commingled recycling bin and must be collected through specialized soft plastics collection services. Rigid plastics can be placed in your kerbside recycling bins, but make sure to separate them from glass, paper, and metal.
Compostable packaging can be placed in a garbage bin, where it will eventually break down in a landfill. Biodegradable packaging should be put in your regular garbage bin, as it may contain regular plastic and harm the environment.
Look for the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on the packaging. The symbol will tell you how to dispose of it sustainably. If the packaging has a colored recycling symbol, it can be placed in your kerbside recycling. A clear recycling symbol means that it is conditionally recyclable and that you should follow the instructions below the symbol.
When shopping, choose unpackaged items or items with less packaging. You can also buy in bulk using your own containers. Avoid buying unnecessary food items, which can result in extra packaging waste.
Individuals and households that do not produce enough soft plastic for a dedicated service can take it to major supermarkets to be recycled.
