Beware: sneaky trick emerging with Bunnings' new recycling program

As we all strive to be more environmentally conscious, it's heartening to see our favourite stores take initiatives that support recycling and sustainability.

Bunnings, the go-to place for DIY enthusiasts and gardeners alike, has rolled out a commendable program that's caught the attention of green-thumbed Australians.

However, with every good deed comes a potential for misuse, and Bunnings shoppers are being cautioned about a dodgy act undermining this eco-friendly effort.


The program in question is Bunnings' recycled plant pots scheme, introduced in 2023 and has since been implemented in over 240 stores across Australia and New Zealand.

This initiative allows customers to return or reuse polypropylene plastic 5 (PP5) plant packaging, which includes pots, stakes, and labels.

Not typically accepted in kerbside recycling bins, these items can be mechanically shredded into plastic pellets and then transformed into brand-new pots.


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A plastic pot reuse and recycling program across 240+ Bunnings stores in Australia and New Zealand has launched. Credit: Facebook


As many shoppers have noted, it's a 'great' idea to provide a convenient way to make sustainable choices and reduce landfill waste.

However, a recent incident at a north Sydney store has highlighted a misuse of this well-intentioned service.

A photograph shared on social media showed a large wooden box, intended for the collection of PP5 plant packaging, overflowing with what appeared to be general rubbish.


This prompted Bunnings staff to remind customers with a sign stating, 'Please do not leave rubbish here.'

Misusing the recycling boxes contaminates the recyclable materials and disrupts the recycling process.

This causes additional work for employees and potentially jeopardises the program's success.

This situation is reminiscent of the challenges faced by Aussie op-shops, which illegal dumpers have regularly targeted.

It's a reminder that while recycling programs are designed to benefit the community and the environment, they require the cooperation and respect of all participants to function effectively.


To participate in Bunnings' recycling program, customers should ensure their plastic pots are made from PP5 and rinse off any dirt to prevent damage to the recycling machinery.

Once clean, the pots can be stacked and dropped off in a collection cage outside the nursery gate.

In a generous twist, customers are also welcome to take any returned items free of charge, fostering a community of sharing and reuse.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

We also know that sometimes, the actions of a few can spoil a good thing for many.

So, let's do our part by following the guidelines of recycling programs like Bunnings' and encouraging others to do the same.

By working together, we can ensure these initiatives continue to thrive and make a positive impact.


In other news, Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist have introduced a nationwide blister pack recycling initiative in Australia.

This launch follows a successful trial in Victoria, where 4.4 million blister packs were collected for recycling. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings has launched a plastic pots reuse and recycling program across over 240 stores in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Shoppers are advised not to use the recycling initiative as a rubbish bin to prevent contamination or disruption of the recycling process.
  • The program allows customers to recycle empty plastic plant pots and other packaging, such as stakes and labels.
  • Participation involves ensuring the items are made from polypropylene plastic 5 (PP5), rinsing off the dirt to protect recycling machinery, and dropping them off at designated collection cages.
Have you used Bunnings' garden recycling boxes, or have you witnessed any service misuse? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
 

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Ah, yes ... we don't need no education. Remember when supermarkets had the soft plastics recycling bags? Many's the time when I saw items like tins, glass bottles and cardboard boxes put in them, despite signs saying what they were placed there for.
The other reason, of course, is that there are many people out there whose mantra in life is "DILLIGAF?"
 
I have access to 2 large Bunnings stores near me, but I have NEVER seen a box for these collectables near the entrance nor in the nursery area. Would love to have this idea where I can recycle my pots.

Sadly, there's always some GRUBS around with "2 legs" that are useless.
 
The recycling box us excellent. I take all pots there. Just remember to rinse them first.
Yoh have also mentioned the medication blister pack drop off at Chemist warehouse. This is also great initiative. I have been using this for a while.
Why rinse them? The recycling process rids any recycled material of any "contamination".

I used to work with a woman who religiously washed and rinsed bottles, jars and tins as good as she washed her plates , cups, knives and forks. For what purpose? NONE at all!
 
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Why rinse them? The recycling process rids any recycled material of any "contamination".

I used to work with a woman who religiously washed and rinsed bottles, jars and tins as good as she washed her plates , cups, knives and forks. For what purpose? NONE at all!
I rinse recycling bottles, jars and tins thoroughly, but don’t actually wash them. Have you noticed @Veggiepatch?
 
Why rinse them? The recycling process rids any recycled material of any "contamination".

I used to work with a woman who religiously washed and rinsed bottles, jars and tins as good as she washed her plates , cups, knives and forks. For what purpose? NONE at all!
I know what you mean because I also know a lady who "washes, rinses and dries" all her empty jars, bottles and tins" before putting them in the recycle "yellow' bin.:unsure:🤷‍♀️
 
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