Following the collapse of REDcycle in 2022, (the scheme where customers collect soft plastics and return them to Coles & Woolies stores for recycling), over 5000 tonnes of plastic was discovered as having been stockpiled due to the lack of plastic recycling facilities and demand for recycled products. Coles and Woolworths have taken responsibility for the stockpiles but have requested more time to deal with the stockpile.

The government had set target for 70% of all packaging to be recycled or composted by 2025 but this target will be missed as only 20% of packaging is currently being recovered. The opposition is putting pressure on government to mandate recycled packaging and to take stronger action as voluntary targets have not been effective enough in driving a circular economy. 

SOURCE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-30/coles-and-woolworths-given-more-time-to-deal-with-redcycle-waste/103908010