We’re all for being environmentally friendly. We only have one planet, and it’s up to us to take care of it so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we have.

One way we can do our bit to help is by ensuring that we recycle everything possible – paper, plastics, glass and cans. We always have the option of separating our rubbish into different bins so that the recyclable materials don’t end up in a landfill.

But using soft plastics like cling wrap or bread bags can't be avoided altogether, so many Australians rely on supermarkets' soft plastic recycling schemes to ensure those items don't end up polluting our oceans and harming marine life.

After all, if supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are providing designated bins for these items, surely they must end up being reused or recycled… right?

Apparently, no.

REDCycle, the company partnering with Coles and Woolworths for their recycling initiatives, has been stockpiling soft plastics they have received recently due to ‘unforeseen challenges’ made worse by the COVID pandemic according to a report.

They will be indefinitely suspending their collection program effective November 9.

‘REDcycle’s recycling partners have temporarily stopped accepting and processing soft plastics,’ a spokesperson said.

REDCycle’s tie-up with Coles and Woolworths provided many with an easy-access avenue to recycle soft plastics. Credit: news.com.au

‘REDcycle has had to take the unwanted but necessary step of holding stock in warehouse storage facilities temporarily, as this material will not be able to be processed for at least six months.’

‘REDcycle and its partners are committed to having the program back up and running as soon as possible.’

Close the Loop, which takes the largest amount of soft plastics from REDCycle, was hit by fire in June which forced it to halt operations for repairs.

Estimates for the reconstruction of its facilities place a return to operation by mid-2023.

Replas, another partner, cited a huge drop in demand for its products throughout the pandemic.

REDCycle gave assurances that none of the stored soft plastics will end up in landfills and that it is working to find other avenues where they may be used.

‘For the short term, consumers are encouraged to put their soft plastics in their home rubbish bin.’ the company said.

‘Please do not put it in your home kerbside recycling bin (unless the Curby program is available in your area) as it is not recyclable in that system.’

REDCycle has yet to disclose the exact amount of recycled soft plastics it currently holds.

The company is said to collect millions of soft plastic pieces daily, with collection hubs scattered across 2000 stores nationwide.

The supermarkets confirmed REDCycle has come clean about its situation. Credit: Coles/Woolworths​

As a result, Coles and Woolworths have indicated they will be suspending recycling operations at their stores.

A spokesperson for Coles confirmed receipt from REDCycle of the news and said: ‘This means we will be unable to accept soft plastic recycling returns in Coles stores and through Coles Online at this time. Sustainability is as important to Coles as it is to our customers and partners.’

‘We are committed to our Together to Zero Waste ambition and are working with government, industry and sustainability partners to find a long-term solution for soft plastics recycling in Australia.’

Woolworths for its part said they were ‘only recently informed’ of REDCycle’s dilemma and that they are ‘disappointed’ by the situation.

The supermarket will be introducing signages informing customers of suspended recycling in the coming days.

Key Takeaways

• REDCycle, the partner of Coles and Woolworth in their soft plastic recycling scheme, was revealed to have been storing collected material in the recent months by a recent report.
• REDCycle confirmed the news and explained that 'unforeseen challenges' have rocked their operations, including key partners being unable to take in recycled soft plastic.
• The company has announced the suspension of their collections effective November 9 until further notice.
• Coles and Woolworths have also said they will be suspending their respective collection efforts.

‘Regrettably, this means customers will not be able to recycle their household soft plastic at our stores until collections are able to recommence or an alternative solution can be found.’ a spokesperson said.

‘We sincerely apologise to our customers and we’re working to return access to soft plastic recycling as soon as possible.’

Many people also shared Woolworths’ disappointment.

‘It’s extraordinary how much soft plastic comes from just my house. I take it to Woolworths to be recycled. We must first reduce the packaging used everywhere and we must ensure what is out there gets (reused),’ said Australian Labour Party Vice President Mich-Elle Myers.

One person added: ‘Absolutely ridiculous! What a huge step backwards!’

Others meanwhile called on the government to ‘step up’ and sort the unfolding recycling crisis out.

​

REDCycle said it’s committed to returning ‘at the soonest possible time’. Credit: REDCycle

If this story puts you off recycling ( we sure hope not!), check out how one Aussie mum used it to fund her wedding, honeymoon, and baby fund!

You might also be interested in how this man found treasure in others’ rubbish — including a $3000 piece of artwork.

So, what is your reaction to this news from REDCycle, Coles, and Woolworths? What do you plan on doing with your soft plastic waste in the meantime?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

 

[Ricci]

I was surprised yesterday when my Woolies driver said they were no longer taking back the plastic bags used for deliveries and then today it's all over the news. It's a shame that it's had to stop and that we can't put the soft plastics in our recycling bins.

 

[Macarj]

So I guess they go in the garbage and end up in land fill

 

[Nancyjoy]

Now would be a good time for the government to step in and provide support for those companies who have been recycling soft plastics. For instance funding assisting for places like Close the Loop to help them in rebuilding after the fire, or other types of assistance they need. Replas has been making many items which can be used by councils for their parks, etc. However apparently there has been a dropoff in sales. Maybe the government (state and federal) should help out by funding councils to purchase these items.

 

[Jennifer Tyrie]

We’re all for being environmentally friendly. We only have one planet, and it’s up to us to take care of it so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we have.

One way we can do our bit to help is by ensuring that we recycle everything possible – paper, plastics, glass and cans. We always have the option of separating our rubbish into different bins so that the recyclable materials don’t end up in a landfill.

But using soft plastics like cling wrap or bread bags can't be avoided altogether, so many Australians rely on supermarkets' soft plastic recycling schemes to ensure those items don't end up polluting our oceans and harming marine life.

After all, if supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are providing designated bins for these items, surely they must end up being reused or recycled… right?

Apparently, no.

REDCycle, the company partnering with Coles and Woolworths for their recycling initiatives, has been stockpiling soft plastics they have received recently due to ‘unforeseen challenges’ made worse by the COVID pandemic according to a report.

They will be indefinitely suspending their collection program effective November 9.

‘REDcycle’s recycling partners have temporarily stopped accepting and processing soft plastics,’ a spokesperson said.

REDCycle’s tie-up with Coles and Woolworths provided many with an easy-access avenue to recycle soft plastics. Credit: news.com.au​

‘REDcycle has had to take the unwanted but necessary step of holding stock in warehouse storage facilities temporarily, as this material will not be able to be processed for at least six months.’

‘REDcycle and its partners are committed to having the program back up and running as soon as possible.’

Close the Loop, which takes the largest amount of soft plastics from REDCycle, was hit by fire in June which forced it to halt operations for repairs.

Estimates for the reconstruction of its facilities place a return to operation by mid-2023.

Replas, another partner, cited a huge drop in demand for its products throughout the pandemic.

REDCycle gave assurances that none of the stored soft plastics will end up in landfills and that it is working to find other avenues where they may be used.

‘For the short term, consumers are encouraged to put their soft plastics in their home rubbish bin.’ the company said.

‘Please do not put it in your home kerbside recycling bin (unless the Curby program is available in your area) as it is not recyclable in that system.’

REDCycle has yet to disclose the exact amount of recycled soft plastics it currently holds.

The company is said to collect millions of soft plastic pieces daily, with collection hubs scattered across 2000 stores nationwide.

The supermarkets confirmed REDCycle has come clean about its situation. Credit: Coles/Woolworths​

As a result, Coles and Woolworths have indicated they will be suspending recycling operations at their stores.

A spokesperson for Coles confirmed receipt from REDCycle of the news and said: ‘This means we will be unable to accept soft plastic recycling returns in Coles stores and through Coles Online at this time. Sustainability is as important to Coles as it is to our customers and partners.’

‘We are committed to our Together to Zero Waste ambition and are working with government, industry and sustainability partners to find a long-term solution for soft plastics recycling in Australia.’

Woolworths for its part said they were ‘only recently informed’ of REDCycle’s dilemma and that they are ‘disappointed’ by the situation.

The supermarket will be introducing signages informing customers of suspended recycling in the coming days.

Key Takeaways

• REDCycle, the partner of Coles and Woolworth in their soft plastic recycling scheme, was revealed to have been storing collected material in the recent months by a recent report.
• REDCycle confirmed the news and explained that 'unforeseen challenges' have rocked their operations, including key partners being unable to take in recycled soft plastic.
• The company has announced the suspension of their collections effective November 9 until further notice.
• Coles and Woolworths have also said they will be suspending their respective collection efforts.

‘Regrettably, this means customers will not be able to recycle their household soft plastic at our stores until collections are able to recommence or an alternative solution can be found.’ a spokesperson said.

‘We sincerely apologise to our customers and we’re working to return access to soft plastic recycling as soon as possible.’

Many people also shared Woolworths’ disappointment.

‘It’s extraordinary how much soft plastic comes from just my house. I take it to Woolworths to be recycled. We must first reduce the packaging used everywhere and we must ensure what is out there gets (reused),’ said Australian Labour Party Vice President Mich-Elle Myers.

One person added: ‘Absolutely ridiculous! What a huge step backwards!’

Others meanwhile called on the government to ‘step up’ and sort the unfolding recycling crisis out.

REDCycle said it’s committed to returning ‘at the soonest possible time’. Credit: REDCycle​

If this story puts you off recycling ( we sure hope not!), check out how one Aussie mum used it to fund her wedding, honeymoon, and baby fund!

You might also be interested in how this man found treasure in others’ rubbish — including a $3000 piece of artwork.

So, what is your reaction to this news from REDCycle, Coles, and Woolworths? What do you plan on doing with your soft plastic waste in the meantime?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

I'm very disappointed to say the least . I have a big bag full , all cut and cleaned ready to go.
This is important , the government should help these companies.