MELBOURNE – 16 MARCH, 2022: TreadLightly is encouraging local communities to take action against a growing waste problem by focusing on shoe recycling this Global Recycling Day (18 March, 2022).
“As a nation, we proudly punch above our weight in sport, business, technology, tourism and other sectors, but there is much more we can do when it comes to recycling,” said Shaun Bajada, Executive Director, from Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA).
TreadLightly is a national recycling initiative, powered by ASGA and recycler, Save Our Soles (SOS), to help consumers recycle unwanted sports and active lifestyle shoes to keep them out of landfill.
Preloved footwear is given new life as flooring and anti-fatigue mats to fit out retail stores and gyms around Australia.
“We’ve had a terrific response from the community since we launched the national initiative in June 2022. It’s a really simple way for people to reduce their waste and make a difference.
We still have a long way to go in reaching our ambitious goal of recycling one million shoes by 2023. So on Global Recycling Day we’re encouraging local communities to help by donating their shoes to TreadLightly and saving them from landfill,” said Bajada.
Five simple steps to take this Global Recycling Day:
- STEP 1. Clean out your cupboard: It is time to say goodbye to the sports and active lifestyle shoes you love but no longer wear to give them new life.
- STEP 2. Ask your family and friends:Do they have any unwanted, old shoes? If so, save them from the garbage!
- STEP 3. Find your closest Tread Lightly Collection Point: Pop into one of more than 600 collection points across Australia and drop your shoes into a TreadLightly collection box.
- STEP 4. Educate yourself: The more you understand the importance of shoe recycling, and recycling in general, the more you can do to save the planet.
- STEP 5. Spread the word: Post on socials asking your friends to join in to step up for the planet on Global Recycling Day.
“TreadLightly exists because shoes can take up to 1000 years to decompose, meaning there’s potential for consumers to recycle their footwear and have a hugely positive impact on the environment,” said Bajada.
“No matter the condition of the shoe, we are able to extract materials like rubber, leather, and fibres to manufacture new products and give your pre-loved sports shoes new life,” added Bajada.
To help keep shoes out of landfill, simply take your unwanted sports and active lifestyle shoes to the closest collection point. TreadLightly has more than 600 collection points across Australia. To find your closest collection location visit https://treadlightly.asga.com.au/collection-locations/
TreadLightly works closely with Australia’s key sporting and active lifestyle brands. For a full list of participating sporting and active lifestyle brands visit www.treadlightly.asga.com.au