While recycling is a great step toward reprocessing our waste, reducing the amount of waste we produce and reusing items whenever possible is even better.
Keeping items in use longer helps divert waste from our landfill and ensure that our perfectly good unwanted items can be used by someone else. Here are some easy ways to reduce your waste in Wyndham
Use Reusables
Tired of paying for bags every time you go shopping? Using reusable items not only reduces waste but also saves you money over time!
Here are some common reusable alternatives:
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Reusable Coffee Cups
- Containers or jars (instead of plastic wrap)
- Reusable Shopping bags and mesh produce bags
- Cloth Nappies
- Sanitary Products (e.g. menstrual cups, period underwear, reusable pads, incontinence underwear)
Every small step makes a big impact.
Buy, Swap or Sell Second-Hand Items
"One person’s trash is another person’s treasure."
Before buying new, consider buying, swapping or selling your good quality second-hand clothing, furniture, homewares, toys, tools and more.
Where to find great second-hand deals:
Borrow or Rent Instead of Buying
You don’t always need to own something—borrowing or renting is a great way to save money and to reduce clutter in your home. Ask a friend or family if they have the item you need or check if your community has renting or borrowing services.
Local options include:
- Wyndham Library Branches – Borrow books and media
- Wyndham Little Buddies Toy Library – Borrow toys for kids
- Wyndham Park Community Shed Tool Library – Rent tools like power tools, garden tools like lawnmowers camping equipment and everything in between.
Donate Good Quality Items
Have quality items you no longer need? Donate them to charities or those in need—just make sure to follow donation guidelines and never leave donations on the ground outside charity bin or op shops after hours, as this is considered illegal dumping.
Where to donate:
| Organisation | Cause | Donations Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| West Welcome Wagon | Supports asylum seekers and refugees rebuilding their lives in Australia | Clothing (adult/child), children’s items, home/kitchen goods, linens, non-perishable food, toiletries |
| Our Village (formerly St Kilda Mums) | Connects families in need with baby/children essentials | Baby gear, kids’ clothing and toys (good condition) |
| Wyndham Park Community Shed | Restores bikes/tools for resale or community use | Bikes, tools |
| Big Group Hug | Supports families in need | Clothing, blankets, toys, books, prams, cots, etc. (in good condition) |
| Glee Givers | Distributes computers to people in need | Functional laptops (under 8 years old), Apple MacBooks/iMacs (under 4 years), iPads, chargers, USBs |
| Local Op Shops | See our Op Shops in the West guide for local Op Shop locations, contact details, guidelines and opening hours. |
By choosing to reduce, reuse, repurpose, and donate, you’re helping to have a meaningful contribution to reducing your waste and even helping the community.