Ethan Clarke
Plastic is a durable material that is designed for longevity, yet most plastics are used just once and end up in landfills or polluting the environment. Globally, eight million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into our oceans annually, with Australia contributing 76 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. However, only a small portion of this is recycled, leading to a growing problem of plastic pollution that affects wildlife, marine ecosystems, and human health. To address this issue, Australia has made strides in plastic recycling, with companies adopting the Australasian Recycling Logo and initiatives like REDcycle, which allows people to drop off clean soft plastics at supermarkets. The Australian government has also invested in a Recycling Modernisation Fund to enhance recycling capacity and create jobs.
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastics recycling
Plastic waste is an environmental issue in Australia, with around 76 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually and only a small portion of this recycled. The Australian government has recognised the need to improve its recycling infrastructure and has invested in a Recycling Modernisation Fund to boost its recycling capacity.
Soft plastics are a particular challenge to recycle, and there have been setbacks with the collapse of REDcycle, previously Australia's largest soft plastic collection program. However, there is a strong commitment to improving soft plastics recycling, with Woolworths and Coles taking responsibility for stockpiles and working to restart collection programs.
Individuals can play a crucial role in soft plastics recycling by dropping off clean soft plastics at major supermarkets across Australia. These plastics are then recycled into new products like park furniture, garden supplies, and high-quality asphalt. It is important to keep soft plastics separate from other waste and to keep them dry and clean to make them more valuable for recycling.
Businesses can also take steps to improve their soft plastics recycling. Companies like Cleanaway offer tailored solutions for businesses to identify their plastic waste types and provide customised bins and collection services. By diverting more waste from landfills, businesses can improve their sustainability and contribute to a circular economy.
While there are challenges, Australia is taking steps towards improving its soft plastics recycling capabilities, with government initiatives, supermarket programs, and individual efforts all playing a part.
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Plastic resin codes
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE): This type of plastic is commonly used for beverage bottles, cups, and other packaging. Clear PET has one of the highest recycling market values as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form. Consumers are encouraged to choose products packaged in #1 plastics as they can be widely recycled.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is used for bottles, cups, milk jugs, and other similar products.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is found in pipes, siding, flooring, and other construction materials.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is used for plastic bags, six-pack rings, tubing, and other flexible packaging.
- Polypropylene (PP): PP is used for auto parts, industrial fibres, food containers, and other durable applications.
- Polystyrene and expanded polystyrene: These plastics are not commonly recycled in kerbside recycling bins.
- Other plastics: This category includes all other types of plastics that do not fall into the previous six categories. Plastics in this category are also not commonly recycled in kerbside recycling bins.
It is important to note that the RIC does not always indicate the recyclability of a product. Consumers should check with their local facilities to see what types of plastic can be accepted for recycling. Additionally, even if a particular plastic is technically recyclable, it may not be economically feasible to recycle it.
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Plastic pollution
The Australian government has recently invested $190 million in a Recycling Modernisation Fund, which is expected to generate $600 million in recycling investment and create over 10,000 jobs. This fund aims to transform Australia's waste management and recycling capacity, diverting over 10 million tonnes of waste from landfills. Additionally, companies are adopting the Australasian Recycling Logo, providing clear and easy-to-understand recycling information to reduce contamination.
One of the challenges in plastic recycling is the different types of plastics with varying chemical compositions, making some easier to recycle than others. For instance, PET, commonly found in beverage bottles, is highly recyclable and can be transformed into fibre for clothing and new packaging materials. On the other hand, PVC recycling is limited due to its complex chemical makeup, and it cannot be placed in standard recycling bins. LDPE, found in plastic bags and food packaging, is another type of plastic with limited recycling options, although some supermarkets offer collection bins for these soft plastics.
To combat plastic pollution, it is essential to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Australians can limit their use of single-use plastics, such as straws, disposable coffee cups, and plastic bags. Reusable alternatives, such as shopping bags and reusable coffee cups, can significantly reduce plastic waste. Additionally, proper recycling practices, including rinsing and flattening containers, removing labels, and separating soft plastics, are crucial to ensuring effective recycling and reducing contamination.
While Australia faces challenges in plastic waste management, there are positive initiatives and increasing awareness among individuals and businesses. By improving recycling practices and reducing single-use plastic consumption, Australia can make significant progress in addressing plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health.
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Recycling bin contamination
Plastic is recyclable in Australia, but only a small portion of the 76 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually is recycled. This contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution, which affects wildlife, marine ecosystems, and human health. Improving recycling practices is, therefore, a critical step towards environmental stewardship.
Contamination can also occur when recyclables are not rinsed or cleaned before being placed in the recycling bin. Food or liquid residue can contaminate other recyclables in the bag, and highly contaminated items may be removed from the recycling line and sent to landfill or the incinerator. Additionally, with the rise of plant-based "bio-plastics", it can be challenging to distinguish them from traditional plastics during the recycling process, leading to further contamination.
To reduce recycling bin contamination, it is important to understand the recycling process and the different types of plastics. The numbered triangle on plastic products is the Plastic Identification Code, indicating the type of plastic material. For instance, PET (soft drink bottles) and HDPE (milk and cream bottles) are easily recyclable, while recycling PVC is limited due to its complex chemical makeup. Reusing or repurposing PVC products is often a more environmentally friendly solution.
By following proper recycling guidelines, such as rinsing recyclables and understanding what items can be recycled, individuals can help reduce recycling bin contamination and improve Australia's recycling capacity.
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Plastic recycling process
Plastic recycling is an important topic in Australia, where approximately 76 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, posing a significant environmental threat. While only a small portion of this waste is currently recycled, Australia is making strides towards improving its recycling practices. The Australian government has recognised the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste, investing $190 million into a Recycling Modernisation Fund, which is expected to generate over $600 million in recycling investment.
The recycling process for plastic bottles in Australia is a good example of how plastic can be effectively recycled. When plastic bottles are returned to a container deposit scheme, they are recycled and reused in the manufacturing process, replacing raw materials. This process is showcased in a film by TOMRA Australia, which follows the journey of a plastic bottle. Through this process, plastic bottles can be recycled "over and over again" into new bottles.
However, not all plastics are as easily recyclable as PET plastic bottles. Plastic waste can be challenging to recycle when different types of plastics are mixed or when composite plastics, consisting of various materials fused together, are used. These mixed materials can lower the quality of recycled products and make the recycling process more complex and costly. Plastic cutlery, for example, often combines different types of low-quality plastics, making recycling economically unfeasible.
To address these challenges, consumers can play a vital role by reducing their use of composite plastics and opting for products with simpler, more sustainable packaging. Single-material packaging, such as glass, metal, or easily recyclable plastics like PET or HDPE, is recommended. Additionally, consumers can support companies that use recycled plastic in their products and adopt reusable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable shopping bags, coffee cups, and cutlery.
To further improve plastic recycling practices, Australia has implemented several measures. From July 2022, exports of unsorted mixed plastics were banned, requiring waste plastic to be sorted into single resin or polymer types or processed with other materials into engineered fuel. The introduction of the Australasian Recycling Logo provides clear and easy-to-understand recycling information, reducing confusion and contamination. Australia is also developing its recycling infrastructure, with Cleanaway, Pact Group, and Asahi collaborating to build a $45 million recycling plant in Albury to specifically recycle PET plastic bottles.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia generates roughly 76 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only a small portion being recycled. The Australian government has recently announced a $190 million investment in a Recycling Modernisation Fund, which is expected to generate $600 million in recycling investment and create over 10,000 jobs.
The recycling process begins with identifying the type of plastic. Plastic is divided into seven distinct families, each with its own recycling process and potential for reusability. Some common types of recyclable plastics in Australia include PET (water bottles, milk, shampoo), HDPE (milk and cream bottles), LDPE (plastic bags, food packaging), and PP (yogurt containers, takeaway meals).
It's important to check with your local council as processing guidelines vary. Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, food packaging, and "scrunchable" plastics, should be kept separate from other plastic containers to avoid contamination. These can be recycled through programs like REDcycle, which collects clean soft plastics at supermarkets and turns them into park furniture and garden supplies.
It's recommended to first reduce, then reuse, and finally recycle as a last resort. You can limit single-use plastics by bringing your shopping bag, refusing straws, using a reusable coffee cup, and buying loose produce. Supporting companies that use recycled packaging and products made from recycled plastics is also important.
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