Soft plastic program pushing residents

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Whittlesea council is calling on all residents to make a conscious effort to recycle more plastic, and is extending a helping hand.

A new drop-off soft plastics recycling program is now available, helping residents in Whittlesea contribute to a healthier environment by removing problematic soft plastics from landfill.

Residents can take their soft plastics to designated recycling bins located at the Wollert Landfill Transfer Station, 55 Bridge Inn Road, Wollert.

Soft plastics are those that can be scrunched into a ball and include plastic bags, bread bags, biscuit packet wrapper, confectionary bag, chip packets, cereal box liners, veggie produce bags and clear bubble wrap. Cling wrap is made using a different type of plastic and cannot be processed through this service.

Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd said he is excited to see the community to make a positive environmental impact.

“We’re delighted to offer our community an opportunity to recycle their soft plastics and help us become a more sustainable city. The soft plastics are diverted from landfill and will be processed by APR Plastics, transforming them back into oil for the creation of new plastic products,” he said.

“This initiative is a great opportunity for our community to lead by example in their sustainability efforts and recycling.”

The success of the trial will depend on participation and contamination rates, so the community is encouraged to get involved.

The new recycling initiative is part of council’s Rethinking Waste Plan which aims to view waste as a valuable resource by recovering and recycling as much as possible and providing local drop-off points for the community such as this one.

Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/waste.