By GIQ, in collaboration with Garden City Plastics (GCP)

Our industry thrives when the environment thrives. By making smart, sustainable choices part of business, we can cut waste, save resources, and protect the natural world that sustains us.

Here are simple, practical actions your nursery can take to make a real difference.

Return Used Materials Through Recycling Programs

Close the loop by giving plastics a second life instead of sending them to landfill.

Example: Nurseries can return a wide range of used PP5 plastic items to Garden City Plastics (GCP) for recycling – including pots (black and coloured), nursery carry trays, labels, and corflute tree guards. All materials are sorted, cleaned, and processed locally, then repurposed into high-quality horticultural products.

Reuse and Repurpose in the Nursery

Find new uses for materials before recycling or disposal.

Example: Reuse pots and containers where possible, provided they are cleaned and sanitised correctly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. For instance, sanitised pots and trays can be safely reused for new propagation or planting, helping reduce waste while maintaining plant health standards.

Partner with Local Collection Points

Join forces with industry initiatives to make responsible disposal easy.
Example: bagMUSTER, operated by Agsafe, helps the agricultural sector dispose of single-use polypropylene (PP) plastic bags. Collection sites are already running in Western Victoria and coming soon to QLD! Interested in being part of the QLD rollout? Register your interest today.

Stock Locally Manufactured Products

Support Australian jobs, reduce transport emissions, and choose products built to last.

Example: All of Garden City Plastics’ (GCP) Australian-made products are design and tested to meet commercial-grade standards, ensuring strength, consistency, and dependability in tough growing conditions. By choosing locally manufactured products, you are supporting Australian industry while relying on products built to last. 

Support Recycled, Biodegradable & Reclaimed Products

Consider choosing products made with alternative materials or processes – and weigh the full life cycle to make the most sustainable choice.

Example: Garden City Plastics (GCP) offers the Jiffy pot range made from biodegradable materials, along with a wide selection of pots and containers manufactured using Post Consumer Recycle (PCR) plastics. These products support closed-loop recycling by reducing waste and giving plastics a second life, while helping growers choose sustainable options that maintain strength and quality. 

Engage & Education Your Customers

Turn your customers into sustainability partners through clear communication and incentives.

Example: Use signage, QR codes, or rewards to encourage customers to return used items. These actions promote responsible behaviour and make sustainability part of your brand story.