Soft plastics recycling program launched to reduce waste
Published on 03 February 2026
Pyrenees Shire Council Mayor Damian Ferrari has launched the Pilot Soft Plastic Program for residents to recycle their soft plastic packaging.
Soft plastic packaging includes flexible plastics that you can easily scrunch into a ball, such as:
- Plastic bags
- Biscuits and other snack wrappers
- Chip packets and other silver lined snack wrappers
- Fresh and frozen food and veggie wrappers/bags
- Pasta bags, rice bags (both plastic and the woven type), bread bags (without the tie), and cereal liners
- Cling wrap, bubble wrap, and snap lock/zip lock bags
- Document sleeves, mail satchels and carrier bags
- Plastic pet food and clean potting mix bags
Under the scheme, households can put their soft plastics into special orange bags to put into kerbside recycling bins to be made into new Australian products.
This free and optional service aims to help the community recycle more products and reduce waste to landfill.
From 2 February, households can register for the program by phoning 1300 797 363, or in person at Council’s Beaufort Office or either of the Council’s Resource Centres to get a free pack of 20 bags.
From 2 March, these bags can then be placed into recycling bins.
“Soft plastics make up a noticeable portion of the waste generated across the Pyrenees Shire, and until now residents have had very limited options to recycle them,” Cr Ferrari said.
“This pilot gives our community a simple, practical way to keep more waste out of landfill while using the recycling system they already know.”
Despite strong household interest in recycling, and 62% of the soft plastic material placed in the Australian market being recyclable, soft plastic recycling rates in Australia have always been very low at 2% compared to 28% for rigid plastic packaging, like plastic drink and milk bottles.
For more information about the soft plastic stewardships scheme, go to www.spsa.au