Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme

Following a successful launch in Thames in June 2022, the Packaging Forum’s soft plastic recycling scheme has also now been introduced in Tairua, Whangamatā and Whitianga. In October 2023 a soft plastics scheme was introduced in Coromandel Town on a trial basis, while its feasibility is assessed.

This scheme promotes soft plastic recycling using community collection bins. The soft plastics will then be turned into fence posts or building materials.

Smart Environmental will collect the soft plastics and bale the plastic ready to transport either to Future Post in Tuakau (where the product will be made into plastic fence posts) or saveBOARD in Hamilton (where it will be made into building materials).

 Our Council’s Solid Waste team work closely with the Packaging Forum to provide this service.

Volumes collected

Since the scheme started, the volumes of soft plastics collected in our district through all the participating venues are are:

  • July 2022 – March 2023: 5.58 tonnes
  • April 2023 – November 2023: 9.18 tonnes

Soft plastics bin.jpg

Where can I find these community bins?

Thames

  • Pak’nSave
  • The Warehouse
  • Thames Council Office
  • Thames Refuse Transfer Station

Coromandel Town

  • Coromandel Town Council Office
  • Coromandel Town Four Square

Whangamatā

  • New World Whangamatā
  • Council office Whangamatā 
  • Refuse Transfer Station Whangamatā

Whitianga

  • New World Whitianga 
  • Countdown Whitianga 
  • The Warehouse Whitianga
  • Council office Whitianga
  • Refuse Transfer Station Whitianga

Tairua

  • Tairua Refuse Transfer Station
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