Let’s stop waste before it starts.

Recycling is important, but it’s even better to avoid waste in the first place.

Why it matters

Making and transporting products uses up materials, energy and water. When we waste less, we make better use of these finite resources, while also reducing what ends up in landfill.

Reducing waste at home can also save you money.

Your small acts make a big impact. Everyday actions that you can take include:

  • reducing food waste
  • replacing everyday single-use items with reusable versions, such as coffee cups and drink bottles
  • choosing to reuse, repair and repurpose items rather than buying new ones.
Illustration of an open refrigerator with labeled containers of toppings, pasta, and bean mix, alongside jars of pickles and strawberry jam

Reducing food waste at home
Illustration showing diverse hands holding reusable items including a green tote bag, a water bottle, a container, a set of utensils, a reusable cup, and a children's sippy cup

Avoid single-use items
Inverted pyramid diagram illustrating waste management hierarchy from most to least sustainable practices. Sections labeled Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Repurpose, Recycle, and Dispose use a color gradient from dark green to red to emphasise sustainability levels

Reuse and repair