New research released to coincide with National Recycling Week shows most Australians want greater action on soft plastics recycling.
According to data commissioned by Planet Ark and delivered by strategic research consultancy Pollinate, 79 per cent of respondents believe it is important to have a national soft plastics recycling scheme. The findings follow the collapse of the REDcycle program in 2022.
The survey found that 69 per cent of Australians think councils should collect soft plastics through kerbside bins, while 76 per cent believe drop-off locations should be available in convenient places such as supermarkets. Planet Ark said the results point to a strong desire for both household and retail-based recycling options, and for shared responsibility across the supply chain.
Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) has been created to manage the more than 300,000 tonnes of soft plastic currently going to landfill each year. SPSA evolved from the Soft Plastics Taskforce, which was established by Coles, Woolworths and Aldi to address legacy waste from REDcycle.
Founding members of SPSA include Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Nestlé, Mars and McCormick Foods. Planet Ark said it is working with SPSA to design a national soft plastics recycling system that is “credible and efficient”.
Planet Ark chief executive officer Adam Culley said the results show the community is ready to support improved recycling systems if clear information and infrastructure are provided.
“Australians clearly want to do the right thing, they just need clear, consistent systems and information that make recycling easy and effective,” Culley said.
“The message from the public is that they expect industry, retailers and government to work together to close the loop on soft plastics. With collaboration and investment, we can rebuild public confidence and deliver the circular solutions people are calling for.”
The research also indicated that Australians over 35 generally have a stronger understanding of recycling rules than younger respondents. Those under 35 were more likely to make common errors, such as placing batteries in household recycling bins. However, overall awareness of non-recyclable items has improved, suggesting contamination rates may be declining.
National Recycling Week 2025 runs from 10–16 November under the theme Join the Cycle, encouraging Australians to reduce waste, reuse materials and recycle correctly. Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website provides local recycling information and resources for households and councils.
The campaign is supported by major sponsor Coles, associate sponsors Coca-Cola Australia and Tetra Pak, supporting sponsors MobileMuster, Australian Paper Recovery, Stone & Wood and Cartridges 4 Planet Ark, and media partner Seven West Media.
To find out more about the SPSA, tune into the PKN Podcast Ep 117 with Barry Cosier.
