Stockpiles of soft plastic inside a Melbourne warehouse.Credit:EPA
REDcycle,a Melbourne-based company,claimed it collected up to 5 million plastic items a day from public drop-off points at nearly 2000 supermarkets across the country,and delivered them to other companies,where they were used as ingredients in concrete,asphalt,street furniture,bollards and shopping trolleys.
However,REDcycle transported the plastic to warehouses for long-term storage in what some experts considered a potential environmental and fire safety risk.
The scheme had become almost entirely dependent on a single recycling operator,Close the Loop,to process its stock,however,afire at a Melbourne Close the Loop factory destroyed the Australian waste industry’s ability to recycle soft plastics.
Loading
The blaze took more than 50 firefighters about five hours to bring under control,forcing the closure of the Hume Highway in both directions.
Major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths suspended their REDcycle programs and said in statements they were working with authorities and reiterated their commitment to soft plastic recycling in future.
Supermarket chain Aldi also paused its soft plastics trial with the program that was taking place in 12 stores.
Woolworths and Coles both said the investigation was a matter for the authorities.
REDcycle has also been contacted for comment.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up here.