Transforming Plastic Waste Through Education & Innovation
Excerpt from a larger article published in Eastsider News. Read the full article here: Eastside News.
As the world struggles with plastic pollution, the volunteer-led not-for-profit Rethink Recycling Community (RRC) shows how innovation and education can turn waste into a valuable resource.
Kym O’Shannassy, Mat Card, and a group of passionate locals founded RRC in 2020. Their mission began during a camping trip to Victoria’s High Country, where they noticed plastic litter scattered throughout the natural landscape—especially single-use lids. Determined to make a difference, they joined the global Precious Plastic movement and set out to create local recycling solutions.
Since 2023, RRC has recycled more than 2.1 million plastic lids and directly engaged over 20,000 people in schools, workplaces, and community settings. Their programs align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aim to shift mindsets around plastic consumption.
At the heart of their work is Rustie, a solar-powered mobile education trailer. Rustie travels to schools and events, where students watch plastic lids being transformed into useful products using micro-scale recycling machines. These live demonstrations bring the circular economy to life and inspire people to rethink how they use—and dispose of—plastic.
RRC works with cafes, neighbourhood houses, Rotary, and Lions Clubs to collect plastic lids. Volunteers at their MakerSpace in Springvale wash and sort the lids by colour and polymer type. The team then shreds the lids and remanufactures them into high-quality items using injection, extrusion, and sheet press techniques.
While the organisation operates on a modest scale, its impact runs deep. RRC diverts plastic from landfill and waterways and empowers communities to take practical, positive action for the environment. With growing demand, they continue to expand across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Have a look at our Education program if you would like the team to visit your school or event.
