Australia Post customers can now recycle their soft plastics at one of 12 post offices in NSW, with the organisation trialling an in-store recycling service with REDcycle.
The trial allows customers to drop off their soft plastics – including Australia Post satchels – in a dedicated bin at the post office, for them to be processed by REDcycle and delivered to a manufacturing partner to be made into a range of recycled products.
Post offices participating in the trial includes: Dubbo, Gunnedah, Blayney, Gulgong, Maclean, Berry, Kyogle, Bellingen, Iluka, Canowindra, Shoalhaven and Oberon.
“The trial was another way Australia Post was using the breadth of its national network to give more communities access to services,” explains Nicole Sheffield, executive general manager, Community and Consumer, Australia Post.
“While many Australians have fully embraced soft plastic recycling with REDcycle, not everyone has access to the service, which is why we have targeted selected post offices to help increase access to the service.
“There is growing interest and concern among the community surrounding plastics, including that used in our packaging, so we’re incredibly proud to be expanding our partnership with REDcycle and give our customers the opportunity to recycle their satchels and other soft plastics at the post office.”
The in-store trial will run for a period of eight weeks, with the option to extend and expand to more post offices around the country, depending on customer uptake and feedback.
“REDcycle is dedicated to offering regional communities an opportunity to return their household soft plastics to a REDcycle drop-off point,” says Liz Kasell, founder of REDcycle.
“In true spirit of partnership, we are grateful to Australia Post for providing the locations and recovery network required to make this vision a reality.”
As a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant, the trial is part of Australia Post’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, which includes reaching a 70 per cent recycling or composting rate of plastic packaging.
