Soft plastic recycling
The second life of soft plastics
Soft or flexible plastics can be scrunched into a ball or broken by hand, including business packaging waste such as shrink wrap, bubble wrap or large plastic bags. These plastics do not belong in your recycling bin though – they must be collected through specialised services.
Cleanaway can identify all your plastic waste types and recommend a resource recovery solution tailor-made for your business, including a detailed waste stream assessment, customised bins, and flexible collection services.
The most common types of clear plastic wrap and polystyrene accepted are:
LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
LDPE is a very versatile plastic. In packaging, it is used primarily as pallet wrap, shrink wrap and stretch wrap. The highest quality LDPE for recycling is clean and clear. This material is common in packaging of imported goods, furniture, IT and communications equipment and transport pallets.
EPS and polystyrene
Polystyrene and EPS (expanded polystyrene) packing materials are collected in special skip bins to prevent damage while in transit. These materials are also known as packing foam or foam peanuts. They are turned into feedstock for synthetic timber, stationery and other items.
Clear plastic recycling in Australia
Our soft plastic recycling service collects pallet wrap, shrink film and other plastic packaging in a customised bin that is sent to our specialist facilities for processing into new products.
Plastic waste collected by Cleanaway is sorted, baled and sent to recycling plants for washing and shredding. The shredded plastics are then sorted using a floatation process.
Once sorted, the waste is turned into pellets and powder. These are sent to manufacturers to be moulded and cast into new plastic products and packaging such as new containers, wheelie bins, guideposts and even irrigation pipes.
Individuals, households and businesses that do not produce enough soft plastic for a dedicated service can take soft plastics to major supermarkets to be recycled.
Key customers
Why choose Cleanaway
More solutions for General Waste and Recycling
Contact us directly on 13 13 39 or fill up one of these short forms. We will get back to you as soon as possible with your request or booking.
We are in every major city and region in Australia. Chances are you will find us not too far away from where you are. We’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, as well as Karatha, Rockhampton, Newcastle, Geelong, Port Augusta, Albury, and more.