Soft plastics program to continue

BALLARAT’S soft plastics recycling program is set to continue after the City pilot initiative diverted a whopping 40,000 kilograms of the stuff from landfill.

It seems households are keen to do their bit to tackle the soft plastics problem and grateful for the chance to do something about it. The Ballarat Soft Plastics Collection Pilot Program began in July 2024, and since then more than 6000 Ballarat households have joined.

The collective efforts of participating households have diverted the equivalent of about 3700 household wheelie bins from landfill, protecting the environment and saving the City of Ballarat significant landfill costs, a City of Ballarat spokesperson confirmed.

Instead of being buried in the Smythesdale landfill, the soft plastics are recycled back into quality products and packaging through a partnership with the Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia.

Examples of end market products include brick pavers, insulation, chairs, buckets, and fence posts.

Based on the pilot’s success, the municipality this month announced that the program will continue. It’s now inviting more households to join the initiative that’s available to everyone who receives waste management services.

Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves declared the pilot program an overwhelming success and encouraged more people to get involved.

“Every wrapper, bag, and packet we’ve kept out of landfill has made a real difference,” she said.

“You’ll be surprised how much space it frees up in your household waste bin.”

The City will continue working with the Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia to plan the next phase, as SPSA looks to expand the program across Australia.

Residents keen to join the program can register via the City of Ballarat website or call customer service on 5320 5500.