Why Plastic Recycling Matters
Every year, thousands of tonnes of recyclable plastic end up in landfill — or worse, in our oceans and bushland. It’s not just an eyesore; it’s harmful to wildlife and wastes valuable resources.
By learning how to recycle plastics correctly, Australians can help move away from a “take–make–dispose” system towards a circular economy — where materials are reused, remade, and kept in circulation for as long as possible.
Recycling plastic bottles, containers, and packaging doesn’t just save landfill space — it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and cuts down on the need for new, virgin plastic production.
Understanding Australia’s Plastic Recycling System
Australia’s recycling network has come a long way. Most homes now have a plastic waste bin (the yellow-top recycling bin), where recyclable plastics are collected and taken to be sorted.
However, not all plastics belong in that bin — and that’s where most confusion happens.
• ✅ Accepted: Plastic bottles, containers, and jars labelled with recycling codes #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), and #5 (PP).
• 🚫 Not accepted: Soft plastics like chip packets, bread bags, or cling wrap. These should never go in your kerbside bin.
So, is plastic recyclable? Yes — but only certain types, and only if they’re clean and properly sorted.
Soft Plastic Recycling – What You Need to Know
Soft plastics are the trickiest part of the recycling puzzle. They’re flexible, lightweight, and can tangle machinery at recycling plants. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be recycled — they just need a different system.
If you can scrunch it into a ball, it’s a soft plastic. Things like:
• Bread bags
• Snack wrappers
• Frozen food packets
• Plastic shopping bags
For soft plastic recycling, collect these items separately at home. Many supermarkets used to partner with soft plastics recycling programs (like REDcycle), and similar initiatives are expected to return soon. You can also search “soft plastics recycling near me” to find local drop-off points as new programs restart.
4. Plastic Numbers That Are Recyclable
Ever noticed the little triangle with a number on your plastic bottles or containers? That’s the Resin Identification Code — it tells you what kind of plastic it is.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Code | Plastic Type | Common Items | Recyclable in Australia? |
| #1 | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Water & soft drink bottles | ✅ Widely recyclable |
| #2 | HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Milk bottles, shampoo containers | ✅ Widely recyclable |
| #3 | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Pipes, some packaging | ❌ Not kerbside recyclable |
| #4 | LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) | Soft plastics, cling wrap | ♻️ Recycled separately |
| #5 | PP (Polypropylene) | Yogurt tubs, bottle caps | ✅ Increasingly recyclable |
| #6 | PS (Polystyrene) | Foam cups, trays | ❌ Difficult to recycle |
| #7 | Other | Mixed materials | ❌ Usually not recyclable |
So next time you’re holding a plastic bottle, flip it over and check the code before tossing it into your plastic waste bin.
What Happens After Collection
Once your recyclables are collected, they head to a sorting facility where machines and workers separate plastics by type and colour.
Then, the recyclable plastics are:
- Shredded into flakes
- Washed to remove residue or labels
- Melted and reformed into pellets
These plastic bottle recycled materials can then be turned into all sorts of new products — from outdoor furniture and pipes to even new bottles and containers.
How to Recycle Plastic Bottles and Containers Properly
Here’s how to make sure your recycling actually gets recycled:
• Empty and rinse all bottles or containers — no food or liquid.
• Remove lids unless your local council says otherwise.
• Flatten bottles to save space in your recycling bin.
• Never bag recyclables — they should go loose into your plastic rubbish bin.
Simple steps like these massively improve recycling quality and stop good materials from being wasted.
Take Action – Make Plastic Recycling Work for Everyone
Plastic recycling in Australia is a shared responsibility. When you rinse, sort, and dispose of plastics correctly, you’re helping reduce waste, protect wildlife, and build a more sustainable future.
If you’re unsure about local rules, check your council website or talk to a waste collection service like RubbishGo — we help households and businesses handle recyclable plastics responsibly.
Every bottle, bag, and container you recycle makes a real difference.
Final Thoughts
Recycling isn’t just about sorting rubbish — it’s about rethinking how we use materials in the first place.
Next time you toss a bottle or packet, remember: small actions like cleaning, separating, and recycling properly can have a big impact on Australia’s plastic recycling future.
Together, we can keep more waste out of landfills, protect our environment, and turn what was once rubbish into something reusable and valuable again.