With the collapse of the REDCycle Program in Coles and Woolworth's stores,  we find that our great country is going backwards (again!) on yet another major environmental issue.

According to the SMH, Nov 8, 2022, instead of soft plastics going to various companies for recycling, it is being stock-piled in Victoria.  This has been going on for months but REDCycle has only just announced it!  Having such a stock pile (where some 5 million items can be collected per day) is extremely dangerous and could lead to hazardous fires and more (heaven forbid!) plastic in the ocean.

The ABC stated "The company said there had been a 350 per cent increase in plastic being returned since 2019, but issues related to the pandemic had put "untenable pressure" on its business model."

Clearly we need State and Federal Government intervention to support  this flagging industry and protect the environment.  We cannot just rely on two supermarket chains (eventhough they are the largest) to tackle this huge problem and obviously, REDcycle needs significant;ly more help to recommence operations.

We, the undersigned, petition the NSW and Federal Governments to oversee and maintain the (soft & hard - eg "Precious Plastics") plastic recycling industry so we have a circular economy, using otherwise hazardous resources to protect our glorious planet.