Store manager Josh Berryman and sales assistant Keely Hartshorn said they were proud to offer their customers the opportunity to have their second-hand shoes recycled.
The Echuca Recycling Centre is already inundated with waste from the local community, such as old mattresses, steel and an assortment of household items.
“Staff members were concerned about the amount of shoes ending up in landfill; this program can reduce the impact on local resources,” Mr Berryman said.
Ms Hartshorn is also happy to be a part of the program, and is only too happy to assist customers.
“It’s a wonderful initiative and allows customers to do a great deed,” she said.
Two years ago, Platypus Shoes recognised the desire of staff members and customers to reduce their impact on the environment and take the necessary steps to recycle used footwear.
The recycling program is part of the Australian Sporting Goods Association, in partnership with Save our Soles.
The Echuca store alone recycles about 80 to 100 pairs of shoes a month, weighing roughly 60kg, or about 720kg of footwear a year.
The shoes are collected, then shredded and turned into a rubberised compound that is applied to children’s playgrounds.
The soft, bouncy, multi-coloured rubber helps to prevent children from injuring themselves.
Nike and Adidas also take the rubberised material and repurpose it into the latest designs.
While many brands are happily accepted by the Hare St business, the recycling program doesn’t include high heels or steel-capped boots.
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