The second week of November each year is National Recycling Week, a week dedicated to helping Australians recycle right. Established by Planet Ark in 1996, the annual event encourages Australians to rethink waste, from what we consume to how we dispose of it.
From government programs and major infrastructure projects to community-led initiatives and individual actions, Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn says, “Western Australia is leading the way in building a low-waste future.”
Western Australia has made significant strides in reducing waste and recycling. The Containers for Change scheme has collected more than 4.6 billion drink containers, created 840 jobs, and delivered $16.7 million to local charities, schools, and community groups. From mid-2026, the program will expand to include wine and spirit bottles — a change expected to boost recycling rates even further.
The State’s Plan for Plastics continues to phase out single-use items, with the latest ban targeting plastic barrier bags for loose fruit, vegetables, nuts, and confectionery. Meanwhile, the rollout of the three-bin Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system now reaches almost 300,000 households across Perth and Peel, turning kitchen scraps into high-quality compost for local use.
Together, these initiatives form part of WA’s “Made in WA” circular economy, one that reduces landfill, creates jobs, and keeps valuable materials in use for longer.
But it takes more than just government action to make Australia more sustainable. Our everyday actions and consumer behaviours can also have a significant impact. Here are some ways you can help:
Reduce and avoid
The best way to cut waste is not to create it in the first place. Choosing to buy less — and better — makes an enormous difference over time. That might mean swapping fast fashion for slow, supporting local makers, or thinking twice before purchasing single-use products.
Every conscious choice helps reduce the strain on recycling and waste systems and the environment.
Reuse and repair
Before tossing something out, consider whether it can be reused, repaired, or reimagined. Perth’s thriving op-shop scene makes it easy to give clothes, books, and homewares a second life.
Bringing your own reusable coffee cup, water bottle, and shopping bags also prevents countless disposable items from ending up in landfill.
Recycle smarter
Recycling only works when everyone does their part. Contamination, such as soft plastics or food waste in recycling bins, can send entire loads to landfill. Take a moment to check what’s accepted in your local council bin.
Programs like Containers for Change are ideal for bottles and cans, while Recycling Near You offers guidance on safely disposing of e-waste and other tricky items.
Join the Great Unwaste movement
Food waste often slips under the radar in our kitchens, but it adds up to more than most of us realise. The average household throws away 265 kilograms of food waste in the bin each year, unintentionally. The Great Unwaste is here to show us how a few small tweaks can make life easier, meals tastier, and waste bins a whole lot lighter.
Becoming a great unwaster isn’t about being perfect. It’s about simple, everyday hacks that make sense and save food along the way. Find out what you can do to become a great unwaster here.
Compost at home
For the organic waste you can’t avoid, composting is a simple, sustainable solution. Whether you’ve got a backyard or a balcony, compost bins and worm farms reduce landfill and eventually create great nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Plus, it’s a great educational activity for your kids!
Households with FOGO collection can add food scraps to their green bin, helping councils produce compost for local parks and gardens.
