Why Avoid Waste?
Avoiding waste is a key part of the circular economy. One of the best ways to do this is to buy less in the first place.
Instead, choose to use what you have, reuse, repair, share or repurpose. This keeps valuable materials in use for longer and reduce waste sent to landfill.
Avoiding waste also saves money, energy, time and reduces pollution.
While recycling right is important, kerbside recycling of cardboard, hard plastic, cans and glass still requires resources to collect, process and manufacture into new packaging and products.
There are lots of ways to spend less and enjoy life more.
Top Tips (and resources) to Avoid Waste at Home
Buy only what you need (and avoid the clutter!)
Try to avoid impulse buying and invest in durable, repairable products. Before you buy something, think about if it be repaired, recycled or repurposed, or is it destined for landfill at the end of its life?
Choose reusables rather than ‘single use’
Choose reusable products (coffee cups, water bottles etc), buy in bulk and refill reusable containers, and find new uses for items before buying something new.
Residents can access Council subsidies to purchase:
Repair and maintain
Fix broken items, mend clothing, and look after household goods to keep them in use for longer.
Visit a local volunteer-run repair cafe:
- Brunswick Repair Café (part of Brunswick Tool Library in Brunswick East)
- Pascoe Vale Repair Café (Pascoe Vale)
Share, borrow and rehome
Buy second-hand, borrow or swap items where possible. Donate or sell things you no longer need.
Meet locals, save money and get sharing locally:
- Merri-bek Toy Library (Pascoe Vale and Brunswick West)
Borrow toys, games and party packs through an annual membership, reducing costs and waste. - Brunswick Tool Library (Brunswick East)
Members can borrow tools and learn about DIY repair. - The Bike Shed @ CERES (Brunswick East)
Helps restore and repair bikes, provides second-hand parts, and offers opportunities to learn bike maintenance skills.
Online Buy, Swap and Give Away Groups
Try local Facebook groups such as Good Karma Networks, Buy Nothing groups and Hard Rubbish Rescue to give away items, swap, sell or find second-hand items.
Zero Waste Community Education and Support
Council’s Zero Waste Outreach Program supports community members and multicultural community groups to make sustainable living easier and more practical at home. The program offers information about Council’s zero waste subsidy programs, guidance on using bins correctly and reducing household waste, plus practical tips and tricks for composting, sustainable shopping and cooking methods that help reduce food waste.
Would you or your group like to connect with our Zero Waste Outreach Officer to learn more and explore how the program can support your community?
Please get in touch at wasteprojects@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
