Circular Plastics Illawarra: The year in review

The past year has been a significant one for Circular Plastics Illawarra (CPI), with progress towards a more permanent solution for soft plastics recycling.

Soft plastics recycling

Our group was formed two years ago following the collapse of the supermarket recycling scheme for soft plastics. Since then, we have been working at a local level to identify alternative solutions. 

CPI has been working closely with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO), local councils and industry partners to test alternative regional collection systems for soft plastics:

• Three drop-off events were held in Albion Park, Towradgi and Minnamurra in October and November. Strong interest from the community resulted in over 1,800kg of plastics collected for recycling
• Social enterprise Flagstaff Group is also now accepting household soft plastics at limited times through the week.

In a separate development, Woolworths has recommenced soft plastics recycling at all of their stores in the Illawarra (and nationally). 

Over the past year we’ve also seen other progress at a national level:

• Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) was established to implement an industry-funded recycling scheme for soft plastics
• iQ Renew officially launched its advanced soft plastics recycling facility in Taree, NSW
• Several other recyclers are now accepting soft plastics, including Close the Loop, APR Plastics, saveBOARD and Replas

Community engagement

In 2025 we stepped up our community engagement through in-person events and a more active profile on social media. A market stall at the Rotary GreenFest sustainability expo in April provided us with a great opportunity to talk to many people about what they can do to reduce and recycle plastics. 

A circular precinct in the Illawarra

Another exciting development is a new partnership with Circular Australia, ISJO, the University of Wollongong and other stakeholders to explore options for a circular precinct in the Illawarra. Circular precincts create physical spaces for new organisations to leverage sustainable infrastructure - like renewable energy systems, waste management facilities, recycling, repair, remanufacturing and reuse solutions. 

A new Circular Illawarra Taskforce has been formed to promote existing circular initiatives and collaborate on practical projects.

Conclusion

The past year has seen Circular Plastics Illawarra strengthen its foundations and broaden its impact through partnerships with local, regional and national organisations. This has been achieved thanks to the enthusiastic support of our many active members and volunteers.

With continued effort and investment, the Illawarra is well positioned to become a leader in circular plastics for Australia.