Berry and Shoalhaven Heads are one of 12 Post Offices in New South Wales trialing an in-store soft plastics recycling solution with REDcycle.
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The trial allows customers to drop their soft plastics - including Australia Post plastic satchels - into a dedicated bin at the Post Office. From there the plastic is processed by REDcycle and delivered to a manufacturing partner to be made into a range of recycled products.
Berry Post Office licensee Paul Marquis said he was surprised about the take up of the initiative from the public.
"It's only been a few days and the soft plastics container is already full," he said.
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"While many Australians have fully embraced soft plastic recycling with REDcycle, not everyone has access to the service, which is why we have targeted selected Post Offices to help increase access to the service.
"There is growing interest and concern among the community surrounding plastics, including that used in our packaging, so we're incredibly proud to be expanding our partnership with REDcycle and give our customers the opportunity to recycle their satchels and other soft plastics at the Post Office," Ms Sheffield concluded.
The in-store trial will run for a period of eight weeks, with the option to extend and expand to more Post Offices around the country depending on customer uptake and feedback. Liz Kasell, Founder of REDcycle, said REDcycle is dedicated to offering regional communities an opportunity to return their household soft plastics to a REDcycle drop off point.
"In the true spirit of partnership, we are grateful to Australia Post for providing the locations and recovery network required to make this vision a reality," Ms Kasell said.
As a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant, the trial is part of Australia Post's commitment to supporting the achievement of Australia's 2025 National Packaging Targets, which includes reaching a 70 per cent recycling or composting rate of plastic packaging.
Post Offices participating in the trial:
1. Dubbo Post Office
2. Gunnedah Post Office
3. Blayney Post Office
4. Gulgong Post Office
5. Maclean Post Office
6. Berry Post Office
7. Kyogle Post Office
8. Bellingen Post Office
9. Iluka Post Office
10. Canowindra Post Office
11. Shoalhaven Heads Post Office
12. Oberon Post Office