Waste initiatives

Discover waste initiatives like Containers for Change and how to donate to our partner charities, alongside tips for sorting waste to reduce landfill impact.

Containers for Change

Join the Containers for Change program by placing empty containers e.g. drink bottles marked with the 10c refund label into any bin with the Containers for Change basket attached. This allows you to recycle effectively and gives others the chance to claim or donate the 10c refund. 

Remember, only containers marked with the 10c refund label should be placed in the basket. Other items like takeaway coffee cups, should go into the general waste bin. 

Bins with the Container for Change basket attached can be found at: 

  • Mawson Park, Hillarys 
  • Sorrento Foreshore, Sorrento 
  • Whitford Nodes, Hillarys 
  • Outside Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre 

For more information on how to participate and find additional locations, please visit the Containers for Change website.  

Donating clothing and textiles

Give your unwanted clothing and textiles a new life by donating them to one of the City's charity partners. Your donations can make a significant difference in someone's life and help reduce waste. 

These charities offer pick-up services for good quality, larger household furniture items. Contact them directly to arrange a pick-up. 

Our charity partners: 

Please donate only items in good condition that can benefit someone in need. If your items are broken or in poor condition, consider disposing of them through bulk waste collection instead.  

Be a great sort: Your guide to reducing waste 

Every year, Australians generate around 21 million tonnes of waste—that's almost one tonne per person. This staggering amount comes from our homes, gardens, and even during construction projects. But you can make a difference! Embracing the "GREAT" principles can significantly reduce waste, benefitting both our community and the environment. 

  • G - Gift: Don't throw away items that still have life in them. Donate to charity, swap, or sell them instead. This gives your belongings a second chance and can help someone in need. 
  • R - Recycle these 5: That’s paper, cardboard, and cans as well as plastic and glass (containers, bottles and jars). Use your yellow lid recycling bin for these items. 
  • E - Earth-cycle: Compost your food scraps and garden waste at home. Turning organic waste into compost is great for your garden and the planet. 
  • A - Avoid: Say no to excess packaging and unnecessary food waste. Choose products with minimal or no packaging and buy only what you need. 
  • T - Take: Utilise drop-off points for items like electronics, hazardous waste, and the Containers for Change program. These dedicated spots make it easy to properly dispose of or recycle specific items. 

By adopting these practices, not only do we contribute to waste reduction, but we also support local community programs and sustainability initiatives. For more detailed information on how to be a great sorter and to explore more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, visit the dedicated WasteSorted website

Waste education programs and initiatives 

Looking to make a difference in how waste is managed at your home, school, or workplace? Our waste education programs offer a range of resources and initiatives designed to empower you with the knowledge to reduce waste effectively. Find out about waste education for schools

Sustainable living practices

Embrace a lifestyle that supports our environment and community without sacrificing the well-being of future generations. Our sustainable living section provides information on adopting sustainable practices in your home, garden, and daily life.  

More information and contacts

For more information about the City’s waste initiatives, contact our Customer Care team on 9400 4000. 

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