With your help, as at Aug 2018, Recycled Mats has saved over 160 tonnes of waste from going to landfill through our recycling efforts!
*EEEKKK CORRECTION - It's now 2024 and that number has GROWN to a massive 380,000+ !!! Regardless, you get the drift...that's HEAPS of stuff that we've re-purposed from landfill!*
That’s 2.2 Boeing 747 Jet Planes,
Or 80 Asian Elephants,
Or 5,000 Adult Male Kangaroos...
It’s a LOT! Thanks to you.
Reducing recycled plastic waste is a big job and we are in it for the long haul.
Plus, we want to keep the cycle of recycling going, all over Australia.
Recycling plastic is a simple but key action we can take to make a difference, right here, right now, so that our children, and our children’s children, inherit a world of beauty.
.jpg)
Three Cheers for the Recycle-Friendly Councils of Australia
We know not all councils across Australia value recycling in the same way.
Some councils in Australia have contributed a magnificent effort in reducing recycled plastic waste.
Some councils have also established large-scale composting systems, set up green bin services for all households in the community, and operate Resource Recovery Centres (or tip shops!).
Unbelievably, a select few councils in Australia are choosing to ditch their recycling programs altogether, saying it’s too expensive, or not viable in their budget.
That's just not good enough in 2018, or any year for that matter!
.jpg)
The War on Waste continues...
The War on Waste has only just begun, and we want to ensure that we do our bit, and that you can too.
As a Recycled Mats customer, we already know you care about the planet. (Your purchases speak for themselves.)
But perhaps you live in a place where recycling your plastic and other waste is not as easy as ABC.
What do you do with your plastic waste then?
Did you know that Planet Ark has a website you can use to find your closest recycling centres, and a list of where to recycle what.
Simply type in your location, and a pop-up directory listing will show you details of all the council kerbside recycling services in your locality, along with council clean ups if they happen in your suburb or city.
You can also find out about opt-in recycling services. Some councils in Australia only offer green waste bins to those who request them. Make your councils work for you, and subscribe to that service today if you haven’t already.
Next level recycling facilities
The website also lists the facilities and services in your area, and direct you where to take:
- Electronic items – tvs, computers, printers, cables etc (If your local council doesn’t offer a facility to collect e-waste, click here for details of other service providers who can help. These are funded under the Govt. e-waste scheme)
- Large recyclable items such as white goods, scrap metal, concrete, bricks, and building materials
- Containers and/or Packaging such as paper and cardboard, aluminium and steel cans, glass bottles, and plastic containers
- Hazardous items such as gas bottles, paints, tyres, and vehicle and appliance batteries
There’s easy-to-follow information on setting up compost bins and worm farms, and how to make great compost to feed your veggie gardens too!
Reuse and repair
Scroll down the page on the Planet Ark website, and you’ll find an index of:
- re-use centres such as Reverse Garbage (the ultimate art and craft supplies store!)
- repair cafes
- charity stores
- second-hand furniture dealers
- trade and exchange meet ups, and
- swap parties happening locally.
Collaborative Consumption – The Sharing Economy
The rise of the sharing economy promotes collaborative consumption where people share access to things such as bikes, cars, excess vegetables, and housing.
Find details of “sharing libraries” – these are places where you can borrow tools and electrical appliances you don’t use everyday such as:
- chainsaws,
- jackhammers,
- slow cookers,
- ice cream makers,
- waffle toasters,
- Soda Stream soft drink makers, and
- juicers.
It’s all about sharing, and saving – both money, and the planet.
You can also join Facebook groups such as “Friends with Things” and “Pay it Forward” to find things to borrow. Read more about it here.
Donation websites for reducing recycled plastic waste and landfill
The Planet Ark website also lists donation websites such as Givit, Good360, and Give Now.
Community initiatives for the war on waste
But our favourite is the register of community initiatives.
There are groups out in the world repairing and refurbishing bicycles for both locals in need, and those less fortunate in places like Fiji and Indonesia.
There are book swap schemes, online book forums for trading novels, and giant fundraising events such as the biannual Lifeline Book Sale where you can donate your unwanted books too.
You can participate in the Boomerang Bags initiative, picking up a reusable shopping bag when you’ve forgotten your own, and returning it next visit for someone else to use.
There are many, many Australians volunteering to help refurbish computers for students, seniors, new migrants, and those on Centrelink benefits who are seeking work.
Yet others work at Soft Landings, a national social enterprise diverting mattresses from landfill by recycling components of them.
Have excess stationery at your workplace or home? The Stationery Reuse Centre at the University of New South Wales will take it and redistribute it to students and staff.
The ideas in this section are so good, we suggest bookmarking the page!
War on waste action toolkit
The 'Good for the Hood' War on Waste Action Toolkit created by Sydney mums, Corina and Jo is another resource worth a look.
It’s a comprehensive guide on reducing waste throughout your neighbourhood, plus includes tips on setting up your own War on Waste campaigns if you are interested in jumping in deeper.
.png)
National Recycling Week
You can also put National Recycling Week into your diary.
The dates for National Recycling Week are normally in November each year. National Recycling Week has been around for more than 25 years but it’s never been more important than now.
Find all National Recycling Week events here.
Recycle your 'Recycled Mats' products too
Our most important tip is to remember that many of our Recycled Mats products can be put back into circulation when they’ve seen better days.
Check with your local council or recycling centre to check whether they allow soft plastics in go straight into the yellow recycling bin. Some do, some don’t. It’s worth an ask. Click here for a quick reference of who to ask in your local area, and also have a read of our 'Circular Economy' blog here. You may even be able to return your mat to us!
Indian rugs made from fabric, jute, and cotton can be used in the garden as weed control mats to stop the determined little fellows from invading your flower gardens and vegetable beds. Weed mats help reduce your water consumption too.
Do you want to inspire a passion for learning about recycling?
If you're a teacher, homeschooler or early childhood educator, and are looking for fun ways to teach your child/ren more about about the circular economy, we have put together some great ideas on how-to! Check out our fun blog post here.
We also have a dedicated 'Learning Hub' which is updated regularly. Check it out today!
Join us on this quest to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Caring for Mother Earth is what inspires us to get out of bed each morning, and it's never been more important than now. Mother Earth, our oceans and forests need us.
We know she’s grateful. She’ll thank you too.
