How to reduce rubbish

Glass jars with pasta and other food items

Recycling helps decrease the demand on natural resources to create new products, and reducing the amount of waste we create and reusing what we can is also better for the environment. 

Here are some tips on how you can reduce your rubbish at home:

Buy less

Buying less will naturally mean you have less to (eventually) throw out. Only buy what you really need, and consider investing in quality items - they may be a bit more expensive, but are more likely to last longer and not need replacing as often.

Switch to reusable alternatives

Items such as coffee cups, water bottles, straws, baking tray liners, cupcake wrappers, produce bags, nappies, shopping bags, cling wrap, razor blades and make-up wipes all have a reusable alternative. For a list of stores with reusable, eco-friendly products visit: Sustainable shopping

Choose package-free or low-packaging options

Make purchasing decisions based on the amount (and type) of packaging an item has. Choose items that come with minimal or no packaging, or packaging that can be recycled, reused or composted at home. When shopping online, look for stores that provide plastic-free and low packaging delivery options.

Bring your own bags

Use reusable bags for all your purchases – not just at the supermarket. Reusable produce bags are also available from select online stores, so you can avoid plastic bags even when buying fruit and vegetables.

Regrow vegetables from food scraps

There are many root vegetables that you can regrow again and again. Such as spring onions, carrots (leafy tops only), celery, bok choy, basil, coriander, mint and even pineapple. Search online for tips on how to grow root vegetables over and over again.

Become a recycling champion

Know what items are accepted in your recycling bin and food and garden waste bin.

There are also lots of items that cannot go in these bins, but can be recycled elsewhere! Items such as plastic bags, batteries and electronic items, coffee cups, toothbrushes and stationery can be recycled. Find out more at How to recycle other items.

Did you know?

Single-use straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers and cotton bud sticks will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria by February 2023. Find out more at www.vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics

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