Corflutes removed and recycled as 2025 federal election concludesBy Sarah KriegABC Goulburn MurrayTopic:Australian Federal Elections1h ago1 hours agoWed 7 May 2025 at 1:29amCorflutes are a common sign at voting stations across Australia. (ABC Goulburn Murray: Sarah Krieg)In short: Thousands of corflute signs are set to be removed across Australia after the federal election. The material is not appropriate for curb-side recycling bins but can be re-used or recycled by other methods. What's next? Some candidates reuse or donate signs but there are no national rules.abc.net.au/news/corflutes-recycled-reused-after-federal-election/105258764Link copiedShareShare articleFor the past five weeks, federal election candidates' names and faces have been everywhere — billboards, flyers, unsolicited text messages and, of course, corflutes.A beaming face or catchy slogan cable-tied to a front yard fence or light post has become as much a part of election season as a sizzling sausage or a stubby pencil.But now the polls have closed, the pencils have been packed away, and the vote count is nearly done — one question remains.What happens to all the corflutes?Federal politics live updates: Get the latest on the post-election election landscapeLive results: Find out what's happening in your seat as counting continuesCorflute explainedCorflute is actually a brand name for the corrugated plastic product made by Victorian manufacturer Corex.Like Band-Aids, Eskies and Tupperware, it has become a generic term — a classic case of brand-name takeover.The material is polypropylene, a by-product of the oil refining process, which Corex said could be endlessly re-used when recycled properly.Corex says corflutes can be repeatedly recycled. (Supplied: Corex)However, that does not mean the signs will be sent direct to kerbside recycle bins.Corex said the material was not suited for yellow-lid bins as added metal eyelets or PVC pockets could contaminate the recycling process.Instead, the company runs an in-house recycling program that handles thousands of used signs.The other option is to take signs to a facility that accepts polypropylene plastics.Election fallout and analysis:Liberal Party's Tim Wilson reclaims Goldstein, while Labor MPs retain Franklin and WillsANALYSIS: The Coalition and Clive Palmer didn't win their own election culture warAge, income and housing cleave a divide in how Australians voteWant even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 federal election coverageCatch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on ABC iview and ABC ListenWhen to take them downThere are no national rules on when election signage must be removed, though some councils enforce their own deadlines.The Australian Electoral Commission recommends checking the local regulations.Beyond that, it is up to candidates and supporters to manage the clean-up.Karly Stephens removes a corflute for recycling. (ABC Goulburn Murray: Annie Brown)Corex's in-house recycling service accepts all corflute-like materials and sees a major business spike after elections.Campaign signs are shredded, melted down and pressed into pellets and the Corflute begins its life cycle again."We have a huge spike after every federal election," Corex communications manager Zita Watkin said."Since January this year, we've actually paused recycling other materials coming in to make way for what's happening [now]."After the 2022 federal election, Corex received 230 tonnes of used corflute — equivalent to 368,000 standard-sized signs.More than 200 tonnes of corflutes were recycled from the 2022 election. (Supplied: Corex)Creative re-useSome corflutes are a little worse for wear by the end of a gruelling campaign.Sometimes the damage is weather-related while others have been vandalised or completely ripped and removed.What happens to corflutes now voting is done?Photo shows A line of election corflutes dug into the groundDuring an election campaign our streets are full of corflutes: beaming signs of political hope. But what happens to them after the last box is ticked and the last squirt of sauce hits the sausage?Recently re-elected member for Wentworth Allegra Spender sends her used signs back to Corex to be recycled into new material.Helen Haines, the independent member for Indi, said she sent some of her corflutes to local theatre companies where they were painted for use as backdrops or props in productions.Unsuccessful independent candidate for Farrer, Michelle Milthorpe, said she hoped to re-use her signage in a future parliamentary tilt."And for those that do not know, the corflute can be used to make native bee hives," said ABC Your Say respondent Peter Noonan, from Far North Queensland."Just google it."The ABC has contacted Labor and Liberal campaigns to ask if they have party-wide reuse or recycling strategies.Posted 1h ago1 hours agoWed 7 May 2025 at 1:29amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesPakistan's prime minister vows India's attacks will 'not go unpunished'LIVEPhoto shows A man rides his motorbike through rubble in the darkASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresTopic:Business and Industry RegulationPhoto shows Macquarie Group headquarters, SydneyCourt orders release of 'vicious' CCTV footage after three-year legal battleTopic:CrimePhoto shows External images of Reiby Youth Detention Centre.A feedback loop tanked Dutton's campaign in its final weekAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Clive Palmer NPCNationals leader backs in nuclear as Liberal senator demands it be scrappedLIVEPhoto shows Liberal Party launch in SydneyRelated storiesHundreds of election signs destroyed or removedTopic:VandalismPhoto shows a blue corflute that's been burnt and attached to a poleCan you recycle corflutes?Topic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A line of election corflutes dug into the groundRelated topicsAustralian Federal ElectionsBrisbaneGovernment and PoliticsMelbourneRecycling and Waste ManagementSydneyWodongaTop StoriesPakistan's prime minister vows India's attacks will 'not go unpunished'Topic:Unrest, Conflict and WarPhoto shows A man rides his motorbike through rubble in the darkASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresTopic:Business and Industry RegulationCourt orders release of 'vicious' CCTV footage after three-year legal battleTopic:CrimeA feedback loop tanked Dutton's campaign in its final weekAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbNationals leader backs in nuclear as Liberal senator demands it be scrappedTopic:ElectionsJust InFather who fatally shook baby has 10 years added to jail timeTopic:Courts17m ago17 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 2:13amLiberal leadership race narrows to two likely contenders, Ley and Taylor, as MPs split over nuclearTopic:Liberal Party of Australia20m ago20 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 2:09amKaren Webb to step down as NSW police commissionerBREAKING1m ago1 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 2:29amBean counting continues as independent Jessie Price eyes a 'not-so-safe' Labor seatTopic:Australian Federal Elections15m ago15 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 2:14amMore Just InBack to top