Big Bag Recovery, a leading Australian Government Accredited Product Stewardship Scheme, is proud to announce a significant milestone: the collection of 5 million kilograms of plastic through its program. This achievement underscores the organisation’s commitment to creating a sustainable future by combating plastic pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices.
Since 2015, Big Bag Recovery has implemented an innovative and effective plastic recovery system that meets packaging obligations and encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to participate in the collection and recycling of plastic resources. Through a network of collection points, collectors, and partnerships with local councils the organisation has successfully mobilised efforts to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution.
Since its inception, Big Bag Recovery has witnessed an overwhelming response from environmentally conscious businesses and individuals alike. The collective effort has led to the recovery of an impressive 5 million kilograms of plastic, diverting it from landfills and potential harm to ecosystems. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration and serves as a testament to the dedication of all those involved in the program.
The impact of Big Bag Recovery’s initiative extends far beyond the sheer weight of plastic collected. By preventing thousands of bags from being burnt, buried, or entering landfills the organisation has reduced the carbon emissions by over 7.3 million kg and saved the community $12.5 million in landfill costs associated with plastic disposal. Furthermore, the recovered plastic is recycled into resin pellets for new life products, ensuring a circular economy that minimises resource consumption and waste generation.
As a result of this remarkable accomplishment, Big Bag Recovery aims to further expand its efforts, both in scale and scope. The organisation plans to collaborate with existing and new brand owners, implement more collection points, enhance public awareness campaigns to encourage greater participation and its sister company Circular Communities Australia is set to commence operating its own dedicated big bag recycling facility at the start of 2024.
“We are incredibly proud of reaching the 5 million kilogram mark in plastic recovery,” said Stephen Richards, founder of Big Bag Recovery. “This milestone signifies the dedication of our members, our team and the effectiveness of our program. However, our work is far from over. We remain committed to our mission of creating a sustainable future, and we invite everyone to join us in the fight against plastic pollution.”
Stephen Richards voiced the need for large organisations to be aware of their regulatory requirements under the National Environment Protection Measure expressing “Good practice should be acknowledged and poor practice needs to be actioned. It’s crucial for the government to provide more support and accountability. All levels of government play a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment and upholding sustainable practices and this responsibility extends to monitoring and guiding the actions of organisations.”
Big Bag Recovery extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the program’s success, including its members, collector network, businesses, individuals, and local councils. Together, we can make a tangible difference in protecting our planet and preserving it for future generations.
About Big Bag Recovery
Big Bag Recovery (BBR) is a private enterprise and part of the Industry Waste Recovery group – a band of industry leaders and product stewardship professionals focussed on better waste management and recycling practices.
Farm Waste Recovery was founded by Stephen Richards in 2015 as a proof of concept. In 2015 the company evolved into Industry Waste Recovery’s Federal Government accredited Big Bag Recovery in 2021. Big Bag Recovery operates a recovery program for plastic bags over 15kg/l of contents (sack and bulk bags). The program only includes recyclable bags that are woven polypropylene (wPP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The program allows for two sizes: sacks and bulk bags. Big Bag Recovery aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more sustainable future.
