In a world where environmental concerns are at the forefront of our minds, it's encouraging to see companies stepping up to offer solutions that help us live more sustainably.

For our eco-savvy readers who have witnessed the evolution of recycling and are passionate about preserving the planet for future generations, this new initiative will pique your interest.

Finish, a well-known dishwashing product brand, has partnered with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste, to launch a free recycling program that's set to change the way we dispose of soft plastics.

This innovative program is designed to give Australian and New Zealand households, community centres, schools, and offices, a more environmentally friendly option for their soft plastic waste.

Terra Cycle and Finish partner up for a soft plastic packaging recycling program. Image Source: Facebook / TerraCycle Australia

According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Soft plastics are difficult to recycle through regular kerbside services due to their complex nature and associated cost.

These include plastic bags, wrappers, and the flexible packaging often used for dish care products.

Unfortunately, when not properly disposed of, these plastics can end up in landfills, or worse, our waterways and oceans, causing significant environmental harm.

The Finish recycling program aims to tackle this issue head-on by providing a simple and effective way to recycle Finish-branded dish care soft plastics.

Participants can collect these plastics in any cardboard box at home or in communal spaces.

Once the box is full, they can download a free postage label from the program's website and send it to TerraCycle for recycling.

Laurie Ferland-Caouette, Finish's Head of Sustainability, expressed excitement about the program, she said, ‘Here at Finish, we prioritise offering effective cleaning products to households while ensuring we help reduce plastic waste where possible.’

'We are very excited to be able to offer a free recycling program with TerraCycle for our soft plastic dishcare packaging, which anyone in Australia or New Zealand can access for free via their local post office.’

Jean Bailliard, TerraCycle's General Manager, highlighted the ease and convenience of the program, stating, ‘While everything is technically recyclable, complex packaging may not be accepted by traditional kerbside recycling.’

‘At TerraCycle, we aim to eliminate the idea of waste and divert as much waste as possible away from landfills and, even more importantly, away from our waterways and oceans.’

This collaboration between Finish and TerraCycle is a shining example of how companies can play a significant role in waste reduction and environmental protection.

Want to understand how organisations like TerraCycle recycle your rubbish?

You can check out a video they’ve made on the matter!

Source: Facebook / TerraCycle Australia​

This program is not just a chance to do good for the environment; it's also an opportunity to lead by example and show younger generations the importance of taking proactive steps towards sustainability.

The more people participate, the more significant the impact we can have in saving our soft plastics from ending where they don't belong.

Are you curious how other companies are doing their part to minimise waste?

Check out this story on Coles' innovative solution!

Key Takeaways

• Finish dishwashing products have partnered with TerraCycle to introduce a free recycling program for their soft plastic packaging.
• Australian and New Zealand customers can collect Finish-branded dish care products in boxes and send them to TerraCycle using a free postage label for recycling.
• The initiative aims to divert soft plastics from landfills, as kerbside recycling services do not accept them in both countries.
• The program seeks to eliminate waste and prevent environmental contamination, making recycling accessible across all Australian and New Zealand postcodes.

We encourage you to spread the word about this program in your communities. Share it with friends, family, and local organisations.

What are your thoughts on this new recycling initiative? Have you found other ways to reduce your plastic waste? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[marni]

Buy the Aldi ones that come in cardboard box

 

[Penny4]

I buy Finish powder and the plastic container goes into the council recyling bin.

 

[MariaG]

My local council has a soft plastic return system named Curby, that can be married up to the kerbside re cycle bin used by the household.
It's a good system that requires minimum effort.
There is an app to download where one signs up for the program. Then Curby sends a roll of ID stickers that are used to confirm the soft plastic content. I simply save my soft plastics in a separate bag, when it is full I scan the sticker and secure the bag with it. That bag goes in the bin with all the other recycled items. When it arrives at the facility, the secured bag is flagged by their sensors then separated from the hard recycles. I am told the end product from this is used in road paving. Cool, hey?
It's only a fairy step, but gratifying to know less ends up in land fill.