Footwear recycling program saving our soles
BENALLA’S hockey players had a fantastic training last week, with the Under 12s beating the Under 10/ teenager team in a friendly quarter field game.
The women devised some great plays around the circle and penalty corners.
Alas, lockdown restrictions meant that no games were played on the weekend, and everyone’s thoughts are with the Shepparton community while they navigate this time.
Lockdown can bring some unexpected benefits, and if anyone is clearing out cupboards, old sports shoes can now be recycled in Benalla.
Any soft shoes and sneakers not fit for the op shop can now be recycled to become new products such as gym mats, floors and playgrounds.
The Australian Sporting Goods Association has piloted a Save Our Soles footwear recycling program in Victoria since 2019, with major sporting retailers coming on board.
In North East Victoria, Sportspower stores in Benalla, Wangaratta, Shepparton and Alexandra are leading the charge, with Rebel in Albury also an option.
Old shoes such as sneakers, footy boots, slides, thongs and athletic lifestyle shoes are all welcome, but not business footwear, work boots heels, or wedges.
The SOS boxes in store are regularly collected, with shoes being sorted at the recycling plant for recyclable components such as rubber, leather and fibres.
Reclaimed materials are then manufactured into new products.