Soft plastic
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) soft plastics cannot be placed in mixed recycling bins and do not break down in landfill. However, they can be recycled through a specialised separate collection. Material is sent to a local facility where it is processed and shipped to local or overseas manufacturers for recycling. Currently, only clear or transparent plastic is accepted.
What can be recycled?
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) soft plastic (recycling symbol 4) can be recycled when the following requirements are met:
Collection
Clean soft plastic from laboratories and packaging, such as bubble wrap, may be suitable for on-campus collections. To arrange a collection contact Buildings and Property Division using the details below.
Phone: 9902 0222
What cannot be recycled?
Soft plastics generally found in student and staff kitchens are considered of poorer quality due to contamination and mixed plastics (not always LDPE). Redcycle and their processing facility Replas will not accept soft plastics directly from the University, however staff and students can drop off collected soft plastics from kitchens at Redcycle locations at major supermarkets. Note the Redcycle program is currently paused with no other alternative at present.