Did you know only 15% of the stuff you donate to op shops gets sold or given to people in need? The rest ends up in landfill. Either here in Australia or worse, overseas where landfills are often fires instead of holes in the ground.
To really reduce the waste you are responsible for - and the emissions generated from the production of the items, their transport and then final disposal - you must buy stuff and look after it so that people will line up to be the next owners after you no longer want it. Give the best 15% you have to op shops and find homes for the rest. Don't make room for new stuff by dumping your old stuff on charities. Consider reducing your purchases by 85%. This will radically reduce the emissions your shopping is responsible for.
This local directory links you with what can be done with local resources for the WASTE sector
Towards Zero - Byron Shire’s Integrated Waste & Resource Recovery Strategy 2019-2029 has been developed by asking key questions relating to our waste behaviours. The Strategy document steps out a 10-year plan to transition to a Shire that is carbon neutral by 2025, and sending zero waste to landfill.
Find out about reducing waste locally
NE Waste
Join the Mullumbimby Library of Stuff and borrow what you need
Library of Stuff | Mullum Cares
Try the Tip Shop. It’s amazing what you’ll find! Drop off your waste for reuse
Byron Resource Recovery Centre - Byron Shire Council
Know where to dispose of waste properly: Recycle right!
#RecycleRight - Byron Shire Council
Return and Earn collection points
Return and Earn - Byron Shire Council
Fix broken things at the Repair Café in Mullumbimby
The Repair Cafe Mullumbimby - Home
Local invention! Subpod for composting
Subpod® - Below-ground composting that actually works!
Plastic Free Byron Program for business
https://plasticfreebyron.com/
Learn to grow your own food
Courses at Byron Community College Home page Byron Community College
Contribute excess food to charity
Byron Community Pantry and Food Recovery