The partnership with Australian Composite Technology began in July 2023. A soft plastic recycling drop-off point was then implemented at the Awaba Community Recycling Centre for Lake Macquarie residents to drop off household quantities of non-foil based soft plastic free of charge. Collection points were also placed in council office spaces for staff. Since the soft plastic recycling launch, Council residents have recycled nearly one tonne of soft plastics.

Collected soft plastics, along with traditionally non-recyclable hard plastics (laundry baskets, planter pots, CDs, DVDs etc) recovered at council waste facilities, are sent to Australian Composite Technology to be transformed into infrastructure that has been purchased back by the Council. In total, Lake Macquarie City Council have procured five bench seats and 40 bollards made of 100% recycled content, that have been installed in community spaces across the LGA. The purchase of these products has effectively diverted 1015kg from landfill. At the end of their life, these products can be sent back for remanufacturing.

The Council are now investigating the implementation of additional drop-off points, likely at the upcoming Belmont Community Recycling Centre. In addition, pending review of the recycled plastic bollards and park benches, Lake Macquarie City Council may look to incorporate these products in future asset replacement programs and new projects.