In 2016-17 Australians generated about 67 million tonnes of waste a year. The cost of food waste alone to the economy is estimated at $20 billion each year. Now, it’s not like we don’t want your business – it’s just that we’re as committed to saving the planet as you are. Here are some simple ways you can cut your waste.
- Compost your organic waste. It’s the single biggest thing you can do to keep your general rubbish down.
- Refuse plastic bags when you don’t need them. Keep reusable bags handy so you remember to take them to the shops. You can also use boxes or your own shopping trolley bag or backpack.
- When buying fruit and vegetables, put them into your trolley rather than plastic bags.
- If you don’t read advertising mail, put a sign on your letterbox.
- When building or renovating, build only what you need and think carefully about your design. Choose durable materials and finishes as they should last longer.
- Repairing household items instead of replacing them can be a great way to reduce waste and save money.
- If purchasing something, try to find it second-hand or buy items containing recycled content.
- Use washed takeaway containers as stackable containers for frozen food.
- Use glass jars to store food or other items, or pass them on to friends or groups who make jams.
- Use small plastic bags to wrap wet and smelly rubbish or to pick up after your pet.
- If building or renovating, consider using recycled materials such as windows or floorboards—you can save money and add character at the same time.
- Recycle unwanted plastic bags or soft plastics including pasta and rice bags, shopping bags, net bags, cling and bubble wrap at most major supermarkets.
- Roll aluminium foil into a ball and place it in a recycling bin, even if it has food stuck to it.
- Find out what drop-off and recycling facilities are available in your local area for building waste, e-waste and other non-household materials. Give us a call to find out what we can collect, and what we accept at our Sydney Recycling Park.