Frequently Asked Questions
Need a quick answer? You’re in the right place.
General
What does Plastic Collective do, in one sentence?
We work with vulnerable communities to recover discarded plastic and with brands to turn that recovery into measurable, certified impact.
Where do you operate?
We have active hubs in Australia, Indonesia, Ghana, Vanuatu, Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Papua New Guinea.
Recycling & end-markets
Isn’t plastic recycling broken?
Traditional, centralised recycling often is. Our hubs are local, small-footprint, and focused on hard-to-reach leak zones—places mainstream systems miss. Every kilo is weighed, logged, and audited.
What happens to the plastic you collect?
Most is mechanically shredded into flakes and sold to local manufacturers for roof tiles, crates, or low-grade packaging. Some hubs pelletise HDPE/PP for higher-value extrusion.
Is it a closed loop?
When infrastructure allows, yes. HDPE flake goes back into bottle-to-bottle. Where infrastructure is limited, material is “up-cycled” (tiles, planks) or shipped to regional recyclers that meet Basel and Verra export rules.
Do you down-cycle anything?
Multi-layer sachets (flexible films) are compressed into boards—still better than landfill or open-burning, but we label them non-circulating in our reports.
Environmental & social impact
Do your credits reduce carbon, too?
Avoided-emission claims depend on plastic type and end-use. Some projects issue dual Verra Plastic + Carbon credits; others focus solely on waste reduction. Ask if carbon is part of your target.
How are waste-pickers paid?
Each collector is contracted through a local cooperative or social enterprise and earns above-market rates set against living-wage benchmarks. Payments are digital where possible for full traceability.
Verification & traceability
How do you prove the kilos?
Every batch is weighed on calibrated scales, photographed, geotagged, and uploaded to a Verra-approved ledger. Independent auditors sample 100 % of data annually.
Which standards do you follow?
All projects meet the Verra Plastic Waste Reduction Standard and carry OBP (Ocean-Bound Plastic) and Social+ social-safeguard certification. We also align with Ellen MacArthur Foundation principles.
Brands & EPR
Will credits satisfy my EPR obligation?
It depends on the jurisdiction. Regulators in parts of India, Indonesia, and Colombia accept credits recognised under Verra PWRS plus audit evidence. Check local guidance or talk to our policy team.
How do we talk about the impact without greenwashing?
We provide pre-approved claim language, seals, and data points that align with ISO 14021 guidance and local ad standards rules.
Can you calculate our plastic footprint?
Yes. Start with the Plastic Impact Plan (15 questions); we provide a baseline, reduction + recovery roadmap.
How can we communicate our impact in a way that grows the brand?
We help you turn verified recovery into brand trust. Through certified claims, impact visuals, and storytelling content, we equip your team to share real results on packaging, in-store, online, and in the boardroom. It’s not just good for the planet. It’s good for your brand’s credibility, loyalty, and long-term value.
Individuals
I’m one person—does a small contribution help?
Absolutely. As little as USD 10/month funds the removal of 8–10 kg of plastic annually and provides steady income to local collectors. You’ll receive a monthly progress email and see your kilos grow on the dashboard.
Can I gift a credit?
Yes. Select “Gift impact” at checkout, add the recipient’s email, and they’ll get a personalised certificate.
Community & projects
How can my village apply for support?
Complete the Questionnaire for your community review. We regularly assess communities seeking support and shortlist those we are able to support.
For more community information, email manager@plasticcollective.org
