Woolworths set to expand controversial trial—find out what it means for you
- Replies 0
Soft plastics have long posed a tricky challenge for both consumers and the environment, with past efforts to tackle the issue falling apart under pressure.
Now, signs of change are beginning to emerge—though not without complications that raise fresh questions about long-term sustainability and accountability.
What’s unfolding could signal a major shift in how Australia handles this complex waste stream.
Woolworths revealed plans to ramp up its soft plastics collection trial, aiming to roll it out across 500 stores within the next 12 months.
Despite growing public demand, the retailer admitted that the limited recycling infrastructure in Australia remained a significant hurdle.
Currently, about 120 stores participate in the initiative, but the supermarket giant intended to extend coverage across metro Sydney, Melbourne, southeast Queensland, the ACT and Adelaide.
A Woolworths spokesperson said: ‘The Soft Plastics Taskforce has now launched recycling trials in around 120 supermarkets, and has been careful not to exceed limited local recycling capacity as it works with the broader industry to responsibly rebuild the soft plastic recycling system.’
‘We’re in close contact with soft plastic recyclers as they rebuild, and expand their operations, with a number of new recyclers starting to open their doors over the last year.’
‘The Taskforce was set up in the wake of the REDcycle collapse as an interim measure to facilitate an immediate response to the stockpiles left...and [to] commence work on a new recycling scheme.’
A longer-term, industry-wide stewardship program was reportedly in the works, with plans to involve all manufacturers and retailers responsible for generating household soft plastics.
Soft plastics—such as plastic wrap, shopping bags and packaging—were known to degrade quickly, making them difficult to recycle more than once or twice.
This contrasted with rigid plastics, which could often withstand more recycling cycles.
Because of their limited lifespan, soft plastics needed to be carefully managed through consistently expanding and sustainable systems.
Despite these challenges, experts stressed that soft plastic recycling remained critical to minimising landfill waste and strengthening the circular economy.
Australia produced an estimated 538,000 tonnes of soft plastic waste annually, much of which risked ending up in landfill without accessible recycling options.
The Taskforce’s efforts to develop a stronger national infrastructure were expected to ease that burden.
It also worked closely with third-party recyclers to boost their operations, as major supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles and ALDI did not directly operate recycling facilities.
Recycling collection points were set to return to the front of Woolworths stores.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission had given the green light for the supermarkets to collaborate under the Taskforce.
The most recent draft proposal extended that authorisation through to 31 July 2026.
Large stockpiles remained following the collapse of the previous scheme, highlighting the urgency of a coordinated national response.
As the soft plastics recycling program continues to evolve, do you think these efforts will lead to lasting change for Australia’s waste management?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Now, signs of change are beginning to emerge—though not without complications that raise fresh questions about long-term sustainability and accountability.
What’s unfolding could signal a major shift in how Australia handles this complex waste stream.
Woolworths revealed plans to ramp up its soft plastics collection trial, aiming to roll it out across 500 stores within the next 12 months.
Despite growing public demand, the retailer admitted that the limited recycling infrastructure in Australia remained a significant hurdle.
Currently, about 120 stores participate in the initiative, but the supermarket giant intended to extend coverage across metro Sydney, Melbourne, southeast Queensland, the ACT and Adelaide.
Woolworths expands soft plastics trial across 500 stores. Image source: REUTERS/Jason Reed
A Woolworths spokesperson said: ‘The Soft Plastics Taskforce has now launched recycling trials in around 120 supermarkets, and has been careful not to exceed limited local recycling capacity as it works with the broader industry to responsibly rebuild the soft plastic recycling system.’
‘We’re in close contact with soft plastic recyclers as they rebuild, and expand their operations, with a number of new recyclers starting to open their doors over the last year.’
‘The Taskforce was set up in the wake of the REDcycle collapse as an interim measure to facilitate an immediate response to the stockpiles left...and [to] commence work on a new recycling scheme.’
A longer-term, industry-wide stewardship program was reportedly in the works, with plans to involve all manufacturers and retailers responsible for generating household soft plastics.
Soft plastics—such as plastic wrap, shopping bags and packaging—were known to degrade quickly, making them difficult to recycle more than once or twice.
This contrasted with rigid plastics, which could often withstand more recycling cycles.
Because of their limited lifespan, soft plastics needed to be carefully managed through consistently expanding and sustainable systems.
Despite these challenges, experts stressed that soft plastic recycling remained critical to minimising landfill waste and strengthening the circular economy.
Australia produced an estimated 538,000 tonnes of soft plastic waste annually, much of which risked ending up in landfill without accessible recycling options.
The Taskforce’s efforts to develop a stronger national infrastructure were expected to ease that burden.
It also worked closely with third-party recyclers to boost their operations, as major supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles and ALDI did not directly operate recycling facilities.
Recycling collection points were set to return to the front of Woolworths stores.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission had given the green light for the supermarkets to collaborate under the Taskforce.
The most recent draft proposal extended that authorisation through to 31 July 2026.
Large stockpiles remained following the collapse of the previous scheme, highlighting the urgency of a coordinated national response.
As the soft plastics recycling program continues to evolve, do you think these efforts will lead to lasting change for Australia’s waste management?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
