Australia Post customers can now recycle their soft plastics at one of 12 post offices in New South Wales, as the organisation trials an in-store recycling solution with REDcycle.

The trial allows customers to drop their soft plastics including Australia Post plastic satchels, bread bags, chip packets, bubble wrap and more 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.

Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said the trial was another way Australia Post was using the breadth of its national network to give more communities access to services. 

“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.

Locally, the Maclean and Iluka post offices are involved in the trial.