Bulka bags are large plastic bags or sacks used to carry bulk items such as seeds, flour, sugar, milk powders, fertiliser, sand, mulch and more. They can be recycled through specialised services.
Bulka Bags
Bulka Bags includes:
Bulk Bags Plastic Sacksmaterial
Bulka Bags
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Can bulka bags be reused?
Bulka bags are highly durable and can often be reused before they are recycled (approximate life span of 3 years). However, it is important to carefully inspect the bag for visible damage and wear to ensure they are safe for reuse. Bags should not be reused if there is damage on the lift straps, outside contamination that cannot be removed by cleaning, dampness or growth of mould or mildew, embedded wood splinters or unreadable printing on the outside.
Why Recycle?
Most bulka bags, also known as FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) or bulk bags, are made from polypropylene (PP), as well polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), all derived from petroleum. Reusing or recycling bulka bags reduces the demand for plastic production and oil, a non-renewable resource. Other reasons to recycle bulka bags include a growing commitment to corporate environmental responsibility and rising landfill costs.
Recycling Options
Australia has a national product stewardship scheme for the recycling of bulk bags and sacks used to carry at least 15 kilograms or litres of contents. The Australian Government Accredited Scheme, Big Bag Recovery, includes recyclable bags that are woven polypropylene (wPP) and LDPE. For more information, visit Big Bag Recovery. You can also search our directory above for recycling services in your area.
What Happens When They're Recycled?
Refurbishment: Bulka bags are collected and, where needed, ties and cord locks are replaced, stitching repaired and holes are patched.
Recycling: Used bulka bags are collected, compressed and bailed for transport to a recycling facility. Here the bags are cleaned of contaminants and processed into small chips. These chips are re-extruded into secondary plastic products such as new bulka bags, cables, brooms, bins or planter pots.
More Info & Sources
How to Reduce and Recycle Plastics at Work – use our free guide to keep plastics in use and out of landfill
