The RedCycle soft plastics recycling program was paused on 9 November 2022. You can put your soft plastics in the bin or keep them until more is known about whether the program will start again.Some councils are now accepting soft plastics recycling, so check what's available in your area.
Australians have all the right intentions when it comes to recycling, but sometimes they don't pay off. In fact, 86% of our packaging is designed to be reused, but only 55% of it ever makes it all the way to being recycled.
In an effort to do our bit, we've compiled a list of common household recycling mistakes so you can be part of the solution kerbside.
1. Not looking closely enough at the label
Many of us are used to throwing our packaging into the bin without a second thought, but it can pay to take a closer look at the product for a recycling label.
New types of labels, such asThe Australasian Recycling Label, let you know whether different parts of a package, such as the lid, tray or wrapping, should go in the recycling or not.
2. Not cleaning off food and other debris
Too much food, liquid or grease can contaminate recyclables and prevent them from being turned into higher-quality materials down the track. Planet Ark recommends giving items a quick rinse if there are any leftovers.
The Australasian Recycling Label is making it easier to know what you can recycle – and what you can't.
3. Wrongly recycling soft plastics
Soft plastics, such as pasta bags and cling wrap, can get tangled in machinery and cause havoc if they're lumped in with household recycling.
The REDcycle bins found at most major supermarkets can take care of many of these items – justcheck what's acceptedfirst. Otherwise, the best course of action is to put them in general waste.
4. Putting recyclables in a plastic bag
Gathering up all your household recycling in a plastic bag will cause the same issue as in point 3. According to Planet Ark, any recyclables left inside a plastic bag will probably end up in landfill.
5. Putting the wrong glass in the wrong bin
Broken glassware can cause major problems in the recycling process, as it doesn't melt at the same temperature as bottles and jars. Best to wrap up any broken glass or crockery in a cloth or several layers of newspaper and put it in your rubbish bin, not the recycling.
6. Recycling plastic cutlery
Plastic dining ware is often too flat or too light to be picked up as plastic by recycling machines and can therefore end up in the paper section. Some councils can recycle plastic plates, but it's best to check first.
The thin plastic lining on takeaway coffee cups will also upset paper recycling, so make sure they go in general waste or, even better, a dedicated recycling bin for takeaway cups.
Never put broken glassware in the recycling bin: it can cause problems in the recycling process.
7. Not getting creative with aluminium
You can recycle clean aluminium foil and trays in most parts of Australia, but check with your council if in doubt.
Make sure they end up in the right section at your local refuse facility by scrunching them into a ball or other solid shape – if you leave them flat, they could contaminate other recycling.
8. Recycling biodegradable or compostable plastics
Keep plastic products marketed as being biodegradable or compostable out of your recycling bin, as they can disrupt efforts to repurpose general plastics.
What's more, these materials may not actually break down enough when put in household organic bins. So unless the label says the product is certified Home Compostable, it's often best to put these items in general waste.
9. Throwing out reusable products
If your old or unwanted clothes are in good condition, donate them to op shops. If they're not, use them as rags for cleaning and the like.
You can also make a difference by keeping reusable water bottles, coffee cups and food wrapping handy to save your wallet and the planet from more disposable items.
10. Not buying reused goods
The recycling industry is like any other – governed by supply and demand. So if you make an effort to seek out items made from recycled plastics or other materials, you'll be supporting recyclers and making sure reusable materials are worth more out of the ground than in it.
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Stock images:Getty, unless otherwise stated.
Join the conversation
I'm an environmental sustainability enthusiast with a deep understanding of recycling practices and waste management. My expertise in this field stems from years of research, active involvement in environmental initiatives, and a commitment to promoting sustainable living. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the RedCycle soft plastics recycling program and common household recycling mistakes:
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RedCycle Soft Plastics Recycling Program:
- The RedCycle soft plastics recycling program was paused on November 9, 2022.
- Individuals are advised to either put their soft plastics in the regular bin or hold onto them until more information is available about the program's potential restart.
- Mention of some councils accepting soft plastics recycling, encouraging readers to check the available options in their respective areas.
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Packaging Recycling Challenges:
- Highlighting the good intentions of Australians in recycling but pointing out that only 55% of packaging designed for reuse actually gets recycled.
- Emphasizing the importance of addressing common household recycling mistakes to improve overall recycling rates.
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Common Household Recycling Mistakes:
- Not looking closely at the label:
- Introduction of new types of labels, such as The Australasian Recycling Label, for better understanding of recyclability.
- Not cleaning off food and other debris:
- Contamination issues due to leftover food, liquid, or grease in recyclables.
- Wrongly recycling soft plastics:
- Soft plastics like pasta bags and cling wrap causing issues in recycling machinery. Recommendation to use REDcycle bins or put them in general waste.
- Putting recyclables in a plastic bag:
- Plastic bags causing problems in the recycling process, with recyclables likely ending up in landfills.
- Putting the wrong glass in the wrong bin:
- Broken glassware not melting at the same temperature as bottles and jars, best to dispose of it in the rubbish bin.
- Recycling plastic cutlery:
- Plastic dining ware potentially ending up in the paper section due to being too flat or light. Caution about thin plastic lining on takeaway coffee cups.
- Not getting creative with aluminium:
- Proper disposal of clean aluminum foil and trays to avoid contamination.
- Recycling biodegradable or compostable plastics:
- Caution against placing these materials in recycling bins, as they can disrupt efforts to repurpose general plastics.
- Throwing out reusable products:
- Encouragement to donate old or unwanted clothes to op shops, or repurpose them as cleaning rags.
- Not buying reused goods:
- Promoting the idea of supporting recyclers by seeking out items made from recycled materials.
- Not looking closely at the label:
This comprehensive approach to recycling education is crucial for individuals to contribute effectively to waste reduction and environmental conservation. If you have any specific questions or need further information on these concepts, feel free to ask.
