Recycling Soft Plastics: What You Need to Know
Recycling Soft Plastics: What You Need to Know

Did you know that many soft plastics can be recycled in New Zealand through the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme? This scheme collects items like bread bags, frozen food packaging, and shopping bags, diverting them from landfill.

These items can’t go in your kerbside recycling bin because they can clog the machinery. Instead, look for special collection bins at participating supermarkets and retail stores. Not all soft plastics are accepted, so remember to check the guidelines provided at the collection points or online.

A photo of a person dropping off a bag of soft plastics into a designated collection bin at a supermarket in New Zealand. The bin should be clearly marked with the soft plastics recycling scheme logo, and the person should be holding a bag filled with various soft plastic items like bread bags and produce bags.

Unsure if an item is accepted? Try the "scrunch test": if the plastic can be scrunched into a ball and it stays that way, it’s likely recyclable through the scheme. However, if it springs back, it probably belongs in the rubbish bin. Some examples of recyclable soft plastics include: bread bags, frozen food bags, fresh produce bags, confectionery wrappers, and courier packs.

A close-up photo of two hands demonstrating the "scrunch test" for soft plastics. One hand holds a scrunched-up piece of soft plastic that stays in a ball, and the other hand holds a piece of plastic that has sprung back open after being scrunched.

By actively participating in the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, you're contributing to a cleaner Aotearoa. Every piece of soft plastic recycled is a step towards reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future.