Programme manager Toni Bye says SeatSmart is a great example of how the public is starting to embrace the change from a ‘take, make, waste’ linear economy to a circular model where nothing is wasted. “It’s good to see the growing movement away from plastic bags, straws and other single use plastics but we’d also encourage people to look beyond the small items to some of the larger items in our homes. Car seats, mattresses, electrical items – none of these things need go to landfill, we just need to change how we look at things, to see them as a useful resource, not rubbish.”
Currently the programme operates on a user-pays model with a $10 (RRP) recycling fee, although this is lower at some sites where there is additional council support. “We are really pleased with the support we’ve received from councils to date,” says Mrs Bye.
“The programme’s dual aims of minimising waste to landfill, combined with raising awareness of expiry dates on car seats to improve road safety, aligns with many councils’ goals. We’re also grateful to retailer Baby on the Move who provides around 30% of our collection site network.”
The disassembly of the seats is carried out by offenders in Department of Corrections community work programmes. While most community work is done outdoors, SeatSmart provides a steady source of indoor work which also teaches new skills.
The majority of materials by weight are metal and plastic which are recycled, while the straps and tethers are used to make recycled bags. Seat fabrics and a small amount of plastic which currently have no market are not reused or recycled, but work continues to change this.
3R continues to pursue a product stewardship model where manufacturers and retailers incorporate the cost of end-of-life recovery into the purchase price of the car seat. This would fund recycling and repurposing of materials and also encourages design and material choices that maximise the life and end use options for car seats.
For further information please contact:
Toni Bye, Marketing & Communications Manager, 3R Group Ltd. Ph 021 022 14586.
