In partnership with global recycling leader TerraCycle, Rip Curl is pleased to announce the launch of a Wetsuit Take Back Recycling Program across Australia. Surfers across the country can now recycle any surf branded wetsuit at participating Rip Curl stores in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. All recycled rubber will now be repurposed for use in the safety attenuation layer of soft fall matting used at playgrounds and outdoor gyms.

“One of our core values at Rip Curl is Community and Environment, and with this in mind we have spent over three years developing the most effective and environmentally conscious solution for wetsuit recycling available in Australia today,” says Shasta O’Loughlin, Rip Curl’s Environmental, Social and Governance Manager.

“TerraCycle has a huge network and were able to assist us in finding the best possible solution for recycling used wetsuit neoprene. We are really excited about this partnership, and the reach that it can provide across Australia. Once the program has proven itself here at home, we are excited to explore a global expansion. We want to give all surfers the opportunity to recycle their old wetsuits.”

The select Rip Curl stores (listed below) will accept any surf branded wetsuit, not including booties, gloves, hoods or heavy diving dry suits. Customers can drop off their used wetsuits in store at no cost. If proximity is an issue or for those who live in Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory or the ACT, the selected stores are also accepting wetsuits via post.