IT’S time to start (or keep) collecting those ‘scrunchable’ soft plastics! The next drop-off is on Saturday 25 October at Ray Robinson Oval, Towradgi.

Residents are invited to collect and bring along clean, dry and empty soft plastic packaging — like plastic bags, snack and chip packets, pasta, bread and rice bags, cling and bubble wrap, mail sachets, and pet food bags—to be bailed up and recycled.

The free collection program is being coordinated by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO), and supported by Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia, on behalf of member councils Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said residents have been asking for an avenue to recycle their soft plastics since the REDcycle program ended.

“That message was heard loud and clear through our waste strategy engagement and the successful soft plastic and cardboard events we held in December,” she said.

Last year, residents brought us 814 kilograms of soft plastics over three days. Then, Shellharbour City Council collected 500 kilos in one day at Albion Park. Cr Brown has laid down a challenge.

“We have more people, so I’d like to challenge Wollongong residents to help us raise the bar with a tonne, 1000 kilos, of soft plastics recycled,” she said.

“While this isn’t a permanent fix for soft plastics, ISJO and Wollongong City Council are committed to working alongside residents and industry to reduce waste to landfill and create a greener future for the region.

“Get collecting and I’ll see you there on 25 October!”

ISJO Sustainability and Waste Manager Yvette Barrs explained the soft plastics will be baled and transported to iQRenew in Taree.

“The soft plastics will be recycled into high-grade plastic feedstock tailored to meet manufacturing specifications for a diverse range of products, including construction and agricultural products,” said Ms Barrs.

“We ask residents to only bring soft plastic packaging that is clean, empty, and dry to the collection points. This will help to maintain the quality of the recyclable material and streamline the recycling process.”

Event details

• Saturday 25 October 2025.
• 8am to 12pm.
• Ray Robinson Oval, Towradgi. Entry to the car park is off Moray Road.

Open to residents of Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong councils. See the event page for what can and can’t be collected. Wollongong residents can also drop soft plastics off for recycling at other ISJO events

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