Trust in our politicians, democracy, media and institutions is falling. But in what has been a tumultuous year for waste and recycling, research by Pollinate shows Cartridges 4 Planet Ark as Australia’s most trusted recycling program. 

Cartridges 4 Planet Ark was first introduced in 2003 and over 15 years later two thirds of Australians (66%) have heard of the program. The only nationwide recycling program with a higher awareness rating, at 79%, is kerbside recycling.

This awareness also translates into action, with almost half of people surveyed having recycled an ink cartridge. What is also significant is out of those who are aware of the Cartridges program 64% trust that the cartridges are recycled. This is higher than any other program with kerbside recycling in second place at 61%. Only 3% have no trust that the materials collected are recycled which is indicative of having an independent audit of the program each year.

The survey also provided insights as to why trust was high with the top reason being that Planet Ark is a well-known, trusted and reputable organisation and people believe and expect we will do what we say. This has also been backed up by Australia’s leading Consumer Trends Report focusing on sustainability and health (LOHAS 6) which found that Planet Ark is the brand most reputed to operate in a ‘responsible, sustainable, environmentally friendly or ethical manner’.

The Pollinate research highlighted that a higher proportion of older and regional Australians are aware of the program, compared to other demographics. This gives us some great insights into awareness of the program and how we can focus our education around other audiences to keep Cartridges 4 Planet Ark diverting more and more from landfill well into the future.

We’d like to thank all Australians who have signed up for a Cartridges 4 Planet Ark box and put their trust in us. With Zero Waste to Landfill certification, nothing goes to waste when processed for recycling by our partner, Close The Loop. We’re also thankful for the support of the workplace program by our participating manufacturers, Brother, Canon, Epson, Konica Minolta and Kyocera, who pay for the recycling of their cartridges and are truly taking responsibility for the end of life of their product.

Check if your Cartridges 4 Planet Ark box is full and return your cartridges.