Trash talk: Finding waste a new life
From textiles to gadgets, here are five inspiring ways common waste products are being transformed, repaired and reused, proving that one person's trash truly is another's treasure.
Perhaps you just toss your empty drink can in the recycling bin and never think of it again, but that's just the next step in this container's circular journey. Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet and, when processed correctly, can be reborn as car parts, new cans or construction materials. You can even experience the benefits of recycling first-hand by dropping eligible 10c bottles and containers back to your nearest Containers for Change refund point. Whilst you're there, don't forget your lids. Perth-based recycling facility CLAW Environmental is helping keep the circular economy spinning, transforming plastic bottle caps into durable new products like piping and garden furniture. It's a clear reminder that small acts, like separating lids from bottles, can add up to big change.
With new devices released faster than ever, (iPhone 15, 16 and counting), older electronics often end up forgotten in drawers, or worse, in the bin. But e-waste is no longer destined for the dump. Initiatives like Sam's Spares (@samsspares) and the Wanneroo Men's Shed are refurbishing discarded electronics, giving gadgets a second chance at life. Whether it's repairing laptops for local schools or restoring retro radios, their work not only keeps valuable resources out of landfill but supports community learning and connection too.
Thanks to the rising popularity of buying second-hand, turning old furniture into something new is a big and growing movement. From charity stores to local tip shops, West Aussies are embracing the beauty of pre-loved and vintage pieces – you might even stumble across your dream B&B Italia sofa for a quarter of the price on Facebook Marketplace. DIY doers like Kate Hollingsworth (@house_of_hollingsworth) are also using this movement to showcase how we can use our creativity to turn someone's trash into another's treasure.
Fast fashion is out, conscious clothing is in! Repairing garments, shopping second-hand or participating in local clothes swaps helps reduce textile waste. Pre-loved fashion is the most ethical, cost effective and sustainable way to dress, with the opportunity to create your own unique style. Industry professionals are also taking note. For the 2025 Sustainable Fashion Festival, the Busselton Jetty was transformed into a stunning 3.6-kilometre catwalk, showcasing eco-friendly and ethically sourced designs from over 50 international and Australian designers. Apps like Depop and markets like Second Life Markets (@secondlifemarkets) have made it easier than ever to refresh your wardrobe without supporting harmful manufacturing practices. So, think twice before hitting checkout on that cheap and nasty online shopping cart.
Organic waste manages to make up a hefty chunk of the household waste we throw away. Think veggie peelings, lawn clippings, fallen leaves, branches, the forgotten fruit at the bottom of the school bag, even the plate scrapings from a Sunday roast dinner. However, you might have noticed some changes on a street near you. Along with the red-lid general waste and yellow-lid recycling bins, many households now have access to the kerbside lime-green-lid FOGO bin for food organics and garden organics. It's a closed-loop system that mimics nature: waste in, growth out. By simply separating your food scraps and garden trimmings from general rubbish (no, it doesn't all go to landfill for those conspiracy theorists out there), households can significantly reduce their landfill contribution and support healthy soil systems. Don't have FOGO at your home, or want to make compost of your own? There are many home compost systems that allow you to earth-cycle in your own backyard.
With just a bit of waste sorting at home, we can do better than the bin. It's easy to find a better place for unwanted items and make landfill the last resort.
Western Australians are getting their waste sorted. If you want to learn more, visit the WasteSorted website where you'll find a bunch of useful information, including how you can join the other West Aussie GREAT Sorts making a difference.
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