Every little bit counts when it comes to reusing and recycling. In Canberra, reducing waste isn’t just about being green – it’s a lifestyle that supports the community and the environment. Here are 5 ways to reuse or recycle common household items, with local tips to make it easy and effective.

1. Turn Glass Jars into Storage Containers

Glass jars from pasta sauce, jam or pickles can become great storage containers. Wash them thoroughly, remove the labels and use them for:

• Pantry organisation: Store grains, nuts or spices.

• DIY crafts: Turn them into candle holders or vases.

• Kids’ activities: Use jars for paint storage or as piggy banks.

If you don’t need them at home, clean glass jars are accepted at Canberra’s community centers and recycling depots. Check with Recycle Mate or Canberra Sand & Gravel (CSG) for drop-off points.

2. Upcycle Old Clothes into Cleaning Rags

Instead of throwing away old clothes, cut them into cleaning rags. They’re good for:

• Dusting and polishing furniture.

• Cleaning spills in the kitchen or garage.

• Replacing disposable wipes to reduce waste.

For clothes in good condition, donate them to charities like The Green Shed or Vinnies Canberra and they’ll find a new home.

3. Compost Organic Waste for Your Garden

Food scraps and garden waste doesn’t belong in the landfill – it belongs in the compost. Composting reduces methane emissions and creates nutrient rich soil for your garden. Here’s how:

• Collect fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds and eggshells.

• Use a compost bin or worm farm, both available at local stores like Bunnings Warehouse.

• Don’t add dairy, meat or oils to the mix.

If composting isn’t an option, take advantage of Canberra’s green waste collection services which will ensure proper organic waste recycling.

4. Upcycle Furniture into Something New

Old furniture doesn’t have to end up in the landfill. A bit of creativity can breathe new life into tables, chairs and cabinets:

• Repaint or refinish wooden furniture for a new look.

• Repurpose items – an old ladder can become a bookshelf or plant stand.

• Donate them to The Green Shed if you can’t upcycle them yourself.

Canberra has second-hand markets and repair cafes where you can find inspiration or get help with DIY projects.

5. Recycle E-Waste Properly

Broken electronics contain valuable materials like copper and gold that can be recovered. Instead of hoarding old gadgets, take them to an e-waste recycling point:

• Drop off old phones, laptops or cords at ACT Smart e-Waste Recycling centres.

• Participate in community e-waste collection events.

• Sell or donate working electronics through local classifieds like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

Proper e-waste recycling prevents environmental damage from toxic materials and keeps resources circulating.

Ever wondered what happens to your old electronics when they end up in landfills? The answer is scary—lead, mercury and cadmium leach into the soil and water causing long term environmental damage. Recycling e-waste through the right channels prevents contamination and helps to reclaim valuable resources that can be used in new products. Canberra has several eco-friendly recycling options so it’s never been easier to do your bit.

Proper e-waste recycling reduces the environmental harm from toxic materials and keeps resources in circulation. Get on it and give your electronic waste a second life.

Canberra Leads in Recycling Initiatives

Canberra is ahead of the game with waste management. Dial A Tipper, Recycle Mate and Green Shed make recycling easy. Get in and be proud of your cleaner city.

By reusing and recycling what you have at home you’re not just reducing waste you’re giving back to the environment and your community. Start small, get creative and check out Canberras recycling options today!