Today, environmental sustainability is paramount. Huckleberry has been a trailblazer in the mission to create a greener and cleaner New Zealand. For years, Huckleberry has actively participated in the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, setting an example for both its customers and the industry. Recycling soft plastic packaging has never been easier, and with the information below, we aim to guide our customers on how to recycle properly.
What is the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme?
The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme is a crucial initiative, a part of The Packaging Forum family, which invests in and promotes recycling solutions to keep New Zealand green and clean. At Huckleberry, our focus is on finding end-of-life solutions for packaging, particularly for soft plastics.
How to Recycle Soft Plastics Properly
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Collect Clean, Empty, and Dry Soft Plastic Packaging: Start by collecting all the soft plastic packaging you use at home. Ensure that these bags are clean, empty, and dry. This is essential to maintain the quality of the recycled materials.
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Drop Them into Soft Plastics Recycling Bins: Look out for the distinctive green and white soft plastic recycling bins at our Huckleberry stores. These bins are strategically placed for your convenience, making it effortless to do your part for the environment.
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What Not to Recycle: While we encourage recycling, there are certain items that cannot be processed through this scheme. These include compostable bags (even if labeled as recyclable), rigid plastics like yogurt pots, heavy foiled bags, plastic contaminated with food or liquid residue, cellophane, face masks, disposable gloves, and RAT test packaging.
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Special Cases: Non-foil biscuit bags and empty ice packs can be recycled through our program. Although biscuit bags and chip packets may look silver, they are not foil-backed and can be recycled. Empty ice packs are also accepted. However, ice packs filled with water or ice are not suitable. Check with your food box service provider, as they may offer a return service for ice packs to be reused.
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Cleanliness Matters: Packaging returned for recycling via our drop-off bins should be "empty, clean, and dry." Before recycling bags and wrapping from foods, give the bag a quick rinse, then turn it inside out to air dry overnight. This ensures that the recycled materials remain uncontaminated.
Closing the Loop: Why Soft Plastic Recycling Matters
The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. It accepts a wide range of soft plastics, from bread bags to shopping bags, and transforms them into a variety of plastic products available for purchase right here in New Zealand.
However, to create a truly sustainable circular economy, where waste materials are reprocessed into new valuable products, it is vital for industry, councils, and government departments to start procuring products made from our recycling efforts. This collective effort will contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste in landfills and conserving our beautiful environment.
At Huckleberry, we believe that every small action counts. By participating in the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, you join us in making a positive impact on our planet. Together, we can create a greener and cleaner New Zealand for generations to come.Â
