Soft plastics recycling in Australia: what you need to know

Soft plastics recycling has had a bumpy few years in Australia. The supermarket-based REDcycle program collapsed in late 2022, and collection has since been rebuilt in stages through industry-led stewardship arrangements, supermarket collection points and some council trials. Where it's available, it's worth doing properly. Where it isn't, cutting how much soft plastic you bring home does the most good.

What counts as soft plastic?

The scrunch test: if you can scrunch it into a ball, it's probably soft plastic. Common examples:

• bread bags
• cereal box liners
• chip and lolly wrappers
• conventional plastic cling film
• conventional zip-lock and frozen food bags
• plastic shopping and produce bags

Packaging with the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) "drop off in store" or "return to store" message is a good sign it's accepted. Exactly what's accepted depends on the scheme, so check before you drop off.

Compostables don't belong in soft plastics recycling

This is the big one. Compostable bags and wrap must never go in soft plastics recycling, or in your yellow recycling bin. They're made to break down, so they contaminate a stream that's designed to be melted and remade.

Compostables belong in compost:

• Home compostable items (certified to AS 5810 or a scheme such as OK compost HOME) can go in your own compost.
• Your council's FOGO bin only if your council accepts them.

If you can't tell whether a bag is compostable or conventional plastic, check the pack. Unsure? Keep it out of both streams and put it in general waste.

Where to drop off soft plastics

• Supermarket collection points. Collection bins have returned at many supermarkets. Look near the entrance of your local store, or check the supermarket's website.
• Council programs. Some councils run their own soft plastics trials, often with specific bags or rules. Your council website will tell you what's on offer.
• Stewardship scheme information. Industry body Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia publishes information about the current collection arrangements.

Programs are still changing, so check locally before you stockpile.

How to prepare soft plastics

1. Empty and wipe clean. They don't need to be spotless, but food residue and grease cause problems.
2. Make sure they're dry.
3. Remove rigid bits like bread tags and hard spouts.
4. Keep rigid plastics separate. Bottles and tubs go in your yellow bin as your council directs.
5. Follow council trial rules exactly, including any special bags.
6. Keep compostables out.

The limits of recycling

Recycling soft plastics is better than landfill, but it isn't a closed loop. Most recycled soft plastic becomes heavier-duty products rather than new food packaging, and collection only captures a share of what households use. Avoiding and swapping soft plastics in the first place is the higher-impact move.

Easy swaps

• Resealable Food Storage Bags instead of conventional zip-locks: PBAT, corn starch and calcium carbonate, certified home compostable (TÜV Austria OK compost HOME), tested for food contact and freezer-friendly. When you're done, compost them. Don't recycle them.
• Cling Wrap instead of conventional cling film: made from bioplastic, mainly sugarcane-based PLA with about 20% PBAT. Certified home compostable (DIN CERTCO; TÜV Austria OK compost HOME). Remove the detachable cutter blade, then compost the box and film.
• Compostable Produce Bags – Commercial Roll for greengrocers and markets: 470 single-use roll bags, certified home compostable (TÜV Austria OK compost HOME).

Fewer soft plastics in, fewer problems out.

More reading: AS 4736 vs AS 5810 and Australia's single-use plastic bans.

FAQ

Can I put compostable bags in soft plastics recycling?

No. Compost them at home if they're certified home compostable, or use FOGO only if your council accepts them.

Is soft plastics recycling available everywhere?

Not yet. Availability depends on your local supermarket and council. Check before you drop off.

Can soft plastics go in my yellow bin?

Generally no, unless your council runs a specific kerbside soft plastics program. Follow your council's guidance.