The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in New South Wales and Victoria issued draft Clean-up Notices to Coles and Woolworths, demanding two of the largest supermarkets in Australia ditch their soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.

The notice comes after an audit discovered the shocking presence of an estimated 5200 tonnes of stockpiled soft plastics across 15 sites in NSW and another 293 tonnes at 14 locations in Victoria.

These soft plastic stockpiles reportedly reached as far as the ceiling, ‘filling up an equivalent of three and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools’, and posed a potential fire hazard, according to officials.

The stockpiles are the result of recycled soft plastics that the two supermarkets collected in partnership with the recycling company REDcycle.

In November last year, the company was forced to suspend its plastic collection scheme — effectively suspending those of Coles and Woolworths as well — when pandemic-related circumstances hit partner processing centres.

Understandably, many weren’t happy with the development and what it meant for recycling, including our members.

Efforts for a more sustainable Australia met a major setback late last year when REDCycle stopped accepting recyclables. Image Credit: Pexes/Julia M Cameron

‘I’m very disappointed, to say the least,’ @Jennifer Tyrie said. ‘I have a big bag full, all cut and cleaned and ready to go.’

‘I'm finding this all very disheartening. I was collecting and delivering plastic bottle tops, clean alfoil, batteries, bread tags, tablet/capsule foils and soft plastics for recycling…I have given up on most recycling now.’ added @TheBear.

NSW EPA chief Tony Chappel said it was unfortunate to see shoppers getting let down by the actions of Coles and Woolworths.

'Thousands of customers diligently collected soft plastics and dropped them into their local supermarket’s collection bin because they trusted their waste would be diverted from landfill and recycled,' he said.

'The extent of soft plastic waste sitting in warehouses across NSW is very concerning and I know customers will be disappointed.'

To curb this problem, the Greens party has proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy to establishing a soft plastic recycling scheme in Australia.

'The Greens plan will create a sustainable soft plastics recycling scheme that won’t disappear overnight,' said NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann.

‘Mandated procurement targets will ensure that there is a market for recycled soft plastics and that soft plastics recycling schemes not only survive but thrive.’

'The community is crying out for options to recycle their waste, this should be a no-brainer.'

Coles and Woolworths were served Clean-up Notices after tonnes of stockpiled recyclables in their warehouses were deemed fire risks. Image Credit: Coles, Woolworths

Coles and Woolworths respond

According to reports, Coles and Woolworths have less than a week to formally reply.

Representatives for the two retail giants said that they were surprised to receive the Clean-up Notices.

‘REDcycle has indicated they have plans to deal with these stockpiles,’ a spokeswoman for Woolworths said.

‘We will seek clarity from the NSW EPA on its position in the days ahead.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Coles said: ‘We were surprised to have received the draft notice from the NSW EPA, particularly given the more than 200 participants who were also committed to the now collapsed REDcycle program.’

‘We continue to work with the Soft Plastics Taskforce and government to play a part in finding alternative solutions to plastic recycling in Australia.’

Any updates from REDCycle?

Nothing noteworthy, it seems.

Despite hints at ‘promising meetings’ held early this year, the last update the embattled company posted on its website was two weeks ago, and even then it contained an appeal for those still stockpiling their recyclables to let their waste go — at least while they’re still out of commission.

‘It’s the only option (unless your local council has advised otherwise). As you can imagine, our priority is to re-establish end market producers, before we can commence the recovery program,’ REDCycle said.

‘If everyone is saving all of their soft plastics throughout this period, that will place immense strain on the program when it recommences.’

‘We love your commitment, we love your enthusiasm, and we love that people have kept to the routine of separating their soft plastics. However, for the moment, unfortunately, the material has to go to landfill.’

But to not end on a sour note, REDCycle assured recyclers that there will be an end to their woes.

‘We can assure you there will be a solution. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.’

Hopefully sooner rather than later, eh?

REDCycle has committed to finding ways it can get back up on its feet. Image Credit: REDCycle

But then again, by the time REDCycle goes back online, maybe it won’t have to worry about dealing with a massive waste backlog. Victoria — one of the most populated places in the country — recently joined other states and territories with tougher restrictions against single-use plastic items.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have been issued a draft Clean-up Notice to remove soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.
• The stockpiles were discovered after the retailers were found to have a combined 5,500 tonnes of recyclables stocked in NSW and VIC warehouses.
• The NSW Greens have proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy towards establishing soft plastics recycling schemes.
• Both Coles and Woolworths have six days to comment on the draft notice and are considering their options.

In the meantime, you could also find out what your options are with your recyclables at home.

So, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you agree with the plan to establish a more sustainable recycling scheme that learns from the lessons of REDCycle?

Has your attitude toward recycling been changed by the suspension of collection operations at Coles and Woolworths?

Tell us your thoughts below!

 

[Penny4]

Plastic wastage is an issue that doesn't seem to fade.
For the average person, going plastic free takes an abundance of effort, to hunt down bulk stores & sustainable waste free product stores. There are some around, but of course theses stores don't stock everything, so we need to buy plastic wrapped items.

 

[Baz1960]

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in New South Wales and Victoria issued draft Clean-up Notices to Coles and Woolworths, demanding two of the largest supermarkets in Australia ditch their soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.

The notice comes after an audit discovered the shocking presence of an estimated 5200 tonnes of stockpiled soft plastics across 15 sites in NSW and another 293 tonnes at 14 locations in Victoria.

These soft plastic stockpiles reportedly reached as far as the ceiling, ‘filling up an equivalent of three and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools’, and posed a potential fire hazard, according to officials.

The stockpiles are the result of recycled soft plastics that the two supermarkets collected in partnership with the recycling company REDcycle.

In November last year, the company was forced to suspend its plastic collection scheme — effectively suspending those of Coles and Woolworths as well — when pandemic-related circumstances hit partner processing centres.

Understandably, many weren’t happy with the development and what it meant for recycling, including our members.

View attachment 13000

Efforts for a more sustainable Australia met a major setback late last year when REDCycle stopped accepting recyclables. Image Credit: Pexes/Julia M Cameron

‘I’m very disappointed, to say the least,’ @Jennifer Tyrie said. ‘I have a big bag full, all cut and cleaned and ready to go.’

‘I'm finding this all very disheartening. I was collecting and delivering plastic bottle tops, clean alfoil, batteries, bread tags, tablet/capsule foils and soft plastics for recycling…I have given up on most recycling now.’ added @TheBear.

NSW EPA chief Tony Chappel said it was unfortunate to see shoppers getting let down by the actions of Coles and Woolworths.

'Thousands of customers diligently collected soft plastics and dropped them into their local supermarket’s collection bin because they trusted their waste would be diverted from landfill and recycled,' he said.

'The extent of soft plastic waste sitting in warehouses across NSW is very concerning and I know customers will be disappointed.'

To curb this problem, the Greens party has proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy to establishing a soft plastic recycling scheme in Australia.

'The Greens plan will create a sustainable soft plastics recycling scheme that won’t disappear overnight,' said NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann.

‘Mandated procurement targets will ensure that there is a market for recycled soft plastics and that soft plastics recycling schemes not only survive but thrive.’

'The community is crying out for options to recycle their waste, this should be a no-brainer.'

View attachment 13001

Coles and Woolworths were served Clean-up Notices after tonnes of stockpiled recyclables in their warehouses were deemed fire risks. Image Credit: Coles, Woolworths

Coles and Woolworths respond

According to reports, Coles and Woolworths have less than a week to formally reply.

Representatives for the two retail giants said that they were surprised to receive the Clean-up Notices.

‘REDcycle has indicated they have plans to deal with these stockpiles,’ a spokeswoman for Woolworths said.

‘We will seek clarity from the NSW EPA on its position in the days ahead.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Coles said: ‘We were surprised to have received the draft notice from the NSW EPA, particularly given the more than 200 participants who were also committed to the now collapsed REDcycle program.’

‘We continue to work with the Soft Plastics Taskforce and government to play a part in finding alternative solutions to plastic recycling in Australia.’

Any updates from REDCycle?

Nothing noteworthy, it seems.

Despite hints at ‘promising meetings’ held early this year, the last update the embattled company posted on its website was two weeks ago, and even then it contained an appeal for those still stockpiling their recyclables to let their waste go — at least while they’re still out of commission.

‘It’s the only option (unless your local council has advised otherwise). As you can imagine, our priority is to re-establish end market producers, before we can commence the recovery program,’ REDCycle said.

‘If everyone is saving all of their soft plastics throughout this period, that will place immense strain on the program when it recommences.’

‘We love your commitment, we love your enthusiasm, and we love that people have kept to the routine of separating their soft plastics. However, for the moment, unfortunately, the material has to go to landfill.’

But to not end on a sour note, REDCycle assured recyclers that there will be an end to their woes.

‘We can assure you there will be a solution. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.’

Hopefully sooner rather than later, eh?

View attachment 13002

REDCycle has committed to finding ways it can get back up on its feet. Image Credit: REDCycle

But then again, by the time REDCycle goes back online, maybe it won’t have to worry about dealing with a massive waste backlog. Victoria — one of the most populated places in the country — recently joined other states and territories with tougher restrictions against single-use plastic items.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have been issued a draft Clean-up Notice to remove soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.
• The stockpiles were discovered after the retailers were found to have a combined 5,500 tonnes of recyclables stocked in NSW and VIC warehouses.
• The NSW Greens have proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy towards establishing soft plastics recycling schemes.
• Both Coles and Woolworths have six days to comment on the draft notice and are considering their options.

In the meantime, you could also find out what your options are with your recyclables at home.

So, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you agree with the plan to establish a more sustainable recycling scheme that learns from the lessons of REDCycle?

Has your attitude toward recycling been changed by the suspension of collection operations at Coles and Woolworths?

Tell us your thoughts below!

Most of the recycling messages and actions have been proven to be fake. We spend more money to separate recyclables... but!!!. A great concept, but also comes with great consequences than what appears on the surface. Though, I'm all for looking after the environment. Reuse, don't buy unnecessarily and minimise our footprint however we can.

 

[Pink lion]

Absolutely ridiculous... Integrated plastics in Victoria is just one big business that has the capacity to turn plastic waste into useful products. I'm not clear on the stats but it uses up somewhere like i
100 tones of plastic waste to create railway sleepers they did the Richmond railway line.

Why not contact them and give it away instead of dumping it? Also, countries like Niger, cut Banana stalks, roll it by hand the n soak it and then use it to make clothing. They have done this very simple process for years.

It is a VERY SIMPLE thing to make shopping bags out of it if they make clothing in first world countries out of it.

No good telling our Australian Government though. Negative dissonance they call it. if their own think tanks don't come up with solutions there is no good informing them, that Australia has quite a few banana plantations and we could do it here too.

It's like talking to a brick wall n(sigh) it's true.

 

[Bernice S]

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in New South Wales and Victoria issued draft Clean-up Notices to Coles and Woolworths, demanding two of the largest supermarkets in Australia ditch their soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.

The notice comes after an audit discovered the shocking presence of an estimated 5200 tonnes of stockpiled soft plastics across 15 sites in NSW and another 293 tonnes at 14 locations in Victoria.

These soft plastic stockpiles reportedly reached as far as the ceiling, ‘filling up an equivalent of three and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools’, and posed a potential fire hazard, according to officials.

The stockpiles are the result of recycled soft plastics that the two supermarkets collected in partnership with the recycling company REDcycle.

In November last year, the company was forced to suspend its plastic collection scheme — effectively suspending those of Coles and Woolworths as well — when pandemic-related circumstances hit partner processing centres.

Understandably, many weren’t happy with the development and what it meant for recycling, including our members.

View attachment 13000

Efforts for a more sustainable Australia met a major setback late last year when REDCycle stopped accepting recyclables. Image Credit: Pexes/Julia M Cameron

‘I’m very disappointed, to say the least,’ @Jennifer Tyrie said. ‘I have a big bag full, all cut and cleaned and ready to go.’

‘I'm finding this all very disheartening. I was collecting and delivering plastic bottle tops, clean alfoil, batteries, bread tags, tablet/capsule foils and soft plastics for recycling…I have given up on most recycling now.’ added @TheBear.

NSW EPA chief Tony Chappel said it was unfortunate to see shoppers getting let down by the actions of Coles and Woolworths.

'Thousands of customers diligently collected soft plastics and dropped them into their local supermarket’s collection bin because they trusted their waste would be diverted from landfill and recycled,' he said.

'The extent of soft plastic waste sitting in warehouses across NSW is very concerning and I know customers will be disappointed.'

To curb this problem, the Greens party has proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy to establishing a soft plastic recycling scheme in Australia.

'The Greens plan will create a sustainable soft plastics recycling scheme that won’t disappear overnight,' said NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann.

‘Mandated procurement targets will ensure that there is a market for recycled soft plastics and that soft plastics recycling schemes not only survive but thrive.’

'The community is crying out for options to recycle their waste, this should be a no-brainer.'

View attachment 13001

Coles and Woolworths were served Clean-up Notices after tonnes of stockpiled recyclables in their warehouses were deemed fire risks. Image Credit: Coles, Woolworths

Coles and Woolworths respond

According to reports, Coles and Woolworths have less than a week to formally reply.

Representatives for the two retail giants said that they were surprised to receive the Clean-up Notices.

‘REDcycle has indicated they have plans to deal with these stockpiles,’ a spokeswoman for Woolworths said.

‘We will seek clarity from the NSW EPA on its position in the days ahead.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Coles said: ‘We were surprised to have received the draft notice from the NSW EPA, particularly given the more than 200 participants who were also committed to the now collapsed REDcycle program.’

‘We continue to work with the Soft Plastics Taskforce and government to play a part in finding alternative solutions to plastic recycling in Australia.’

Any updates from REDCycle?

Nothing noteworthy, it seems.

Despite hints at ‘promising meetings’ held early this year, the last update the embattled company posted on its website was two weeks ago, and even then it contained an appeal for those still stockpiling their recyclables to let their waste go — at least while they’re still out of commission.

‘It’s the only option (unless your local council has advised otherwise). As you can imagine, our priority is to re-establish end market producers, before we can commence the recovery program,’ REDCycle said.

‘If everyone is saving all of their soft plastics throughout this period, that will place immense strain on the program when it recommences.’

‘We love your commitment, we love your enthusiasm, and we love that people have kept to the routine of separating their soft plastics. However, for the moment, unfortunately, the material has to go to landfill.’

But to not end on a sour note, REDCycle assured recyclers that there will be an end to their woes.

‘We can assure you there will be a solution. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.’

Hopefully sooner rather than later, eh?

View attachment 13002

REDCycle has committed to finding ways it can get back up on its feet. Image Credit: REDCycle

But then again, by the time REDCycle goes back online, maybe it won’t have to worry about dealing with a massive waste backlog. Victoria — one of the most populated places in the country — recently joined other states and territories with tougher restrictions against single-use plastic items.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have been issued a draft Clean-up Notice to remove soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.
• The stockpiles were discovered after the retailers were found to have a combined 5,500 tonnes of recyclables stocked in NSW and VIC warehouses.
• The NSW Greens have proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy towards establishing soft plastics recycling schemes.
• Both Coles and Woolworths have six days to comment on the draft notice and are considering their options.

In the meantime, you could also find out what your options are with your recyclables at home.

So, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you agree with the plan to establish a more sustainable recycling scheme that learns from the lessons of REDCycle?

Has your attitude toward recycling been changed by the suspension of collection operations at Coles and Woolworths?

Tell us your thoughts below!

I don't see how it can be the fault of either Coles or Woolies. They seem to have been caught out by the Redcycle collapse as have many other firms. It's not really a breach of trust, just bad luck. I'm sure they are desperately trying to find alternate disposal companies. I can't imagine they would like having all that plastic on site.

 

[Joyem]

Australia is behind the times when comes to recycling our recyclables. Not enough is been done about it. We consumers separate our recyclables so do the right thing by us.

 

[joan brookes]

Perhaps forget climate change as presented and work positively on things that we should be able to change.

 

[Gerada]

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in New South Wales and Victoria issued draft Clean-up Notices to Coles and Woolworths, demanding two of the largest supermarkets in Australia ditch their soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.

The notice comes after an audit discovered the shocking presence of an estimated 5200 tonnes of stockpiled soft plastics across 15 sites in NSW and another 293 tonnes at 14 locations in Victoria.

These soft plastic stockpiles reportedly reached as far as the ceiling, ‘filling up an equivalent of three and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools’, and posed a potential fire hazard, according to officials.

The stockpiles are the result of recycled soft plastics that the two supermarkets collected in partnership with the recycling company REDcycle.

In November last year, the company was forced to suspend its plastic collection scheme — effectively suspending those of Coles and Woolworths as well — when pandemic-related circumstances hit partner processing centres.

Understandably, many weren’t happy with the development and what it meant for recycling, including our members.

View attachment 13000

Efforts for a more sustainable Australia met a major setback late last year when REDCycle stopped accepting recyclables. Image Credit: Pexes/Julia M Cameron

‘I’m very disappointed, to say the least,’ @Jennifer Tyrie said. ‘I have a big bag full, all cut and cleaned and ready to go.’

‘I'm finding this all very disheartening. I was collecting and delivering plastic bottle tops, clean alfoil, batteries, bread tags, tablet/capsule foils and soft plastics for recycling…I have given up on most recycling now.’ added @TheBear.

NSW EPA chief Tony Chappel said it was unfortunate to see shoppers getting let down by the actions of Coles and Woolworths.

'Thousands of customers diligently collected soft plastics and dropped them into their local supermarket’s collection bin because they trusted their waste would be diverted from landfill and recycled,' he said.

'The extent of soft plastic waste sitting in warehouses across NSW is very concerning and I know customers will be disappointed.'

To curb this problem, the Greens party has proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy to establishing a soft plastic recycling scheme in Australia.

'The Greens plan will create a sustainable soft plastics recycling scheme that won’t disappear overnight,' said NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann.

‘Mandated procurement targets will ensure that there is a market for recycled soft plastics and that soft plastics recycling schemes not only survive but thrive.’

'The community is crying out for options to recycle their waste, this should be a no-brainer.'

View attachment 13001

Coles and Woolworths were served Clean-up Notices after tonnes of stockpiled recyclables in their warehouses were deemed fire risks. Image Credit: Coles, Woolworths

Coles and Woolworths respond

According to reports, Coles and Woolworths have less than a week to formally reply.

Representatives for the two retail giants said that they were surprised to receive the Clean-up Notices.

‘REDcycle has indicated they have plans to deal with these stockpiles,’ a spokeswoman for Woolworths said.

‘We will seek clarity from the NSW EPA on its position in the days ahead.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Coles said: ‘We were surprised to have received the draft notice from the NSW EPA, particularly given the more than 200 participants who were also committed to the now collapsed REDcycle program.’

‘We continue to work with the Soft Plastics Taskforce and government to play a part in finding alternative solutions to plastic recycling in Australia.’

Any updates from REDCycle?

Nothing noteworthy, it seems.

Despite hints at ‘promising meetings’ held early this year, the last update the embattled company posted on its website was two weeks ago, and even then it contained an appeal for those still stockpiling their recyclables to let their waste go — at least while they’re still out of commission.

‘It’s the only option (unless your local council has advised otherwise). As you can imagine, our priority is to re-establish end market producers, before we can commence the recovery program,’ REDCycle said.

‘If everyone is saving all of their soft plastics throughout this period, that will place immense strain on the program when it recommences.’

‘We love your commitment, we love your enthusiasm, and we love that people have kept to the routine of separating their soft plastics. However, for the moment, unfortunately, the material has to go to landfill.’

But to not end on a sour note, REDCycle assured recyclers that there will be an end to their woes.

‘We can assure you there will be a solution. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.’

Hopefully sooner rather than later, eh?

View attachment 13002

REDCycle has committed to finding ways it can get back up on its feet. Image Credit: REDCycle

But then again, by the time REDCycle goes back online, maybe it won’t have to worry about dealing with a massive waste backlog. Victoria — one of the most populated places in the country — recently joined other states and territories with tougher restrictions against single-use plastic items.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have been issued a draft Clean-up Notice to remove soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.
• The stockpiles were discovered after the retailers were found to have a combined 5,500 tonnes of recyclables stocked in NSW and VIC warehouses.
• The NSW Greens have proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy towards establishing soft plastics recycling schemes.
• Both Coles and Woolworths have six days to comment on the draft notice and are considering their options.

In the meantime, you could also find out what your options are with your recyclables at home.

So, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you agree with the plan to establish a more sustainable recycling scheme that learns from the lessons of REDCycle?

Has your attitude toward recycling been changed by the suspension of collection operations at Coles and Woolworths?

Tell us your thoughts below!

I was diligent in saving all my soft plastics. And then Coles & Woolies stopped. Now I feel guilty putting all in red bin. I didn't even use the red bin while I was collecting all the recycled materials. Now it's full again every 2 weeks. Come on someone figure this out! We all are waiting to help clean up the rubbish. So give us a chance to do the right thing by Australia
.

 

[lizclarke]

No not a breech if trust. The companies for recycling could no longer take their quantities

 

[Lynjw]

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in New South Wales and Victoria issued draft Clean-up Notices to Coles and Woolworths, demanding two of the largest supermarkets in Australia ditch their soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.

The notice comes after an audit discovered the shocking presence of an estimated 5200 tonnes of stockpiled soft plastics across 15 sites in NSW and another 293 tonnes at 14 locations in Victoria.

These soft plastic stockpiles reportedly reached as far as the ceiling, ‘filling up an equivalent of three and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools’, and posed a potential fire hazard, according to officials.

The stockpiles are the result of recycled soft plastics that the two supermarkets collected in partnership with the recycling company REDcycle.

In November last year, the company was forced to suspend its plastic collection scheme — effectively suspending those of Coles and Woolworths as well — when pandemic-related circumstances hit partner processing centres.

Understandably, many weren’t happy with the development and what it meant for recycling, including our members.

View attachment 13000

Efforts for a more sustainable Australia met a major setback late last year when REDCycle stopped accepting recyclables. Image Credit: Pexes/Julia M Cameron

‘I’m very disappointed, to say the least,’ @Jennifer Tyrie said. ‘I have a big bag full, all cut and cleaned and ready to go.’

‘I'm finding this all very disheartening. I was collecting and delivering plastic bottle tops, clean alfoil, batteries, bread tags, tablet/capsule foils and soft plastics for recycling…I have given up on most recycling now.’ added @TheBear.

NSW EPA chief Tony Chappel said it was unfortunate to see shoppers getting let down by the actions of Coles and Woolworths.

'Thousands of customers diligently collected soft plastics and dropped them into their local supermarket’s collection bin because they trusted their waste would be diverted from landfill and recycled,' he said.

'The extent of soft plastic waste sitting in warehouses across NSW is very concerning and I know customers will be disappointed.'

To curb this problem, the Greens party has proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy to establishing a soft plastic recycling scheme in Australia.

'The Greens plan will create a sustainable soft plastics recycling scheme that won’t disappear overnight,' said NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann.

‘Mandated procurement targets will ensure that there is a market for recycled soft plastics and that soft plastics recycling schemes not only survive but thrive.’

'The community is crying out for options to recycle their waste, this should be a no-brainer.'

View attachment 13001

Coles and Woolworths were served Clean-up Notices after tonnes of stockpiled recyclables in their warehouses were deemed fire risks. Image Credit: Coles, Woolworths

Coles and Woolworths respond

According to reports, Coles and Woolworths have less than a week to formally reply.

Representatives for the two retail giants said that they were surprised to receive the Clean-up Notices.

‘REDcycle has indicated they have plans to deal with these stockpiles,’ a spokeswoman for Woolworths said.

‘We will seek clarity from the NSW EPA on its position in the days ahead.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Coles said: ‘We were surprised to have received the draft notice from the NSW EPA, particularly given the more than 200 participants who were also committed to the now collapsed REDcycle program.’

‘We continue to work with the Soft Plastics Taskforce and government to play a part in finding alternative solutions to plastic recycling in Australia.’

Any updates from REDCycle?

Nothing noteworthy, it seems.

Despite hints at ‘promising meetings’ held early this year, the last update the embattled company posted on its website was two weeks ago, and even then it contained an appeal for those still stockpiling their recyclables to let their waste go — at least while they’re still out of commission.

‘It’s the only option (unless your local council has advised otherwise). As you can imagine, our priority is to re-establish end market producers, before we can commence the recovery program,’ REDCycle said.

‘If everyone is saving all of their soft plastics throughout this period, that will place immense strain on the program when it recommences.’

‘We love your commitment, we love your enthusiasm, and we love that people have kept to the routine of separating their soft plastics. However, for the moment, unfortunately, the material has to go to landfill.’

But to not end on a sour note, REDCycle assured recyclers that there will be an end to their woes.

‘We can assure you there will be a solution. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.’

Hopefully sooner rather than later, eh?

View attachment 13002

REDCycle has committed to finding ways it can get back up on its feet. Image Credit: REDCycle

But then again, by the time REDCycle goes back online, maybe it won’t have to worry about dealing with a massive waste backlog. Victoria — one of the most populated places in the country — recently joined other states and territories with tougher restrictions against single-use plastic items.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have been issued a draft Clean-up Notice to remove soft plastics stockpiled in warehouses.
• The stockpiles were discovered after the retailers were found to have a combined 5,500 tonnes of recyclables stocked in NSW and VIC warehouses.
• The NSW Greens have proposed a plan to dedicate $100 million from the Waste Levy towards establishing soft plastics recycling schemes.
• Both Coles and Woolworths have six days to comment on the draft notice and are considering their options.

In the meantime, you could also find out what your options are with your recyclables at home.

So, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you agree with the plan to establish a more sustainable recycling scheme that learns from the lessons of REDCycle?

Has your attitude toward recycling been changed by the suspension of collection operations at Coles and Woolworths?

Tell us your thoughts below!

Isn’t there some way it can be recycled

 

[Ezzy]

I don't see how it can be the fault of either Coles or Woolies. They seem to have been caught out by the Redcycle collapse as have many other firms. It's not really a breach of trust, just bad luck. I'm sure they are desperately trying to find alternate disposal companies. I can't imagine they would like having all that plastic on site.

My thought exactly when reading that the NSW EPA CHIEF IAN CHAPPEL had laid the blame on these stores. He is painting the wrong picture for the public who have diligently saved these products for recycling & taken them back to Coles & Woolies.

I go along with these bundles being a fire risk but if these areas are not fitted with overhead sprinklers & smoke alarms to limit damage, WHY NOT???

 

[Ezzy]

I was diligent in saving all my soft plastics. And then Coles & Woolies stopped. Now I feel guilty putting all in red bin. I didn't even use the red bin while I was collecting all the recycled materials. Now it's full again every 2 weeks. Come on someone figure this out! We all are waiting to help clean up the rubbish. So give us a chance to do the right thing by Australia
.

Can any recycling junk be used as a means of producing electricity? A survey l just did says it can.