09/07/2026
A lot of people seem to doubt that soft plastics in the collection bin at Woolworths actually gets recycled, and here’s a bit of fact finding that it does.
Most of it is low density polyethylene (LDPE) and it’s very easy to melt and process. There are multiple recyclers out there using it.
Obviously, we should minimise our use of plastics first…but so much of our store-bought goods comes packed in soft plastics that it's hard to avoid.
Separating and removing it from the waste stream helps prevent it not only from ending up in landfill, but eventually going into the ocean (as many landfills may one day flood with sea level rises). So turtles and whales will thank you.
If you can collect your clean soft plastics waste (plastic bags, stretchy film, food packaging) into a stuff sack, larger bag, or separate bin, that's a good start. Once there’s enough, drop it off at your next stop into the collection bin at the store.
Remember-it is a process of transformation. You don’t need to be a perfect about it. Like a lot of behaviour shifts, once you begin, it becomes progressively more natural.
Making up your mind to take steps in the first place is a win in itself-and every small act of environmental stewardship will make you feel better too.
