Do you have a collection of empty plastic plant pots in your garden, stashed away for 'another day'?
If you’re eco-conscious like many in our community, figuring out how to part with plastic pots can be rather tricky. Put them in the red bin and they’re instant landfill. Opting for the yellow bin is a little risky, since the recyclability of these pots depends on factors like size, shape, material type, and cleanliness. So, instead, many of us end up with pots stacked and sitting in our gardens and sheds, just waiting for a new life!
Well, now there’s a solution, thanks to a new plastic recycling partnership between Port Macquarie Sunrise Rotary, Port Plastics and Tooling, and early adopter collection points across our community. We recently caught up Malcolm McNeal from Sunrise Rotary to learn more.
The seed was planted...
Port Macquarie Sunrise Rotary recently visited Port Plastics and Tooling where they discovered their ability to shred plastics for recycling. An idea was born – this could be a solution for those unwanted but tough-to-part-with plant pots. Both knew of a local business eager to work with and produce items from the recycled material. And, while keeping consistency with the type of plastic for this project is important, the team are yet to find plastic garden pots made out of anything other than number 5 (polypropylene). So, the seed to the idea was planted. The next challenge? Establishing a practical collection system that made the concept worthwhile.
Working together for a solution
A problem shared is a problem solved – Port Macquarie Sunrise Rotary and Port Plastics and Tooling approached local nurseries, inviting them to act as collection points, and a few local business were keen to sign up as early adoptors: Bonny Hills Garden Centre; Bunnings, Port Macquarie; and Greenbourne Nursery and Gift Shop, Wauchope.
Pride in a new plastic recycling partnership for Port Macquarie-Hastings
Malcolm McNeil, Port Macquarie Sunrise Rotary, and Richard Mainey, Port Plastics and Tooling, have been the leaders behind this initiative and are proud to see it underway. Malcolm says, “it’s great to come up with a scheme that most people can relate to and has the potential to clear a space in garages and gardens, keep plastic pots out of landfill, and see the pots as a resource to replace virgin material in the manufacture of new pots and other items at a local level.”
This is part of the circular economy in action. For Sunrise Rotary it is just another one of those little things that make a difference.
Where can you drop your pots?
1/1055 Ocean Dr, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
(02) 6585 5764
18 John Oxley Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
239 High St, Wauchope NSW 2446
Help us spread the word!
A new idea is only as good as the supporters who get behind it! Help by sharing this story with your friends and family. You can also click on the image to the left to download it and share online!
Do you know of another green initiative or partnership that could do with a spotlight?
Get in touch with our education team via our Contact Us page.
