Published on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 7:00:00 AM
Plastic Free July is here! This global campaign encourages people to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and make small changes for a lasting impact.
You can take the Plastic Free Challenge to avoid single-use plastic, target takeaway items or go completely plastic free on the Plastic Free July website, and there has never been a better time to get involved! Around 40% of all plastic is only used once, serving its purpose for just a few minutes before being discarded - and an estimated 79% of plastic waste ends up in landfill or the natural environment.
Recycling is important, but reducing the amount of plastic we use in the first place is even more powerful. By choosing reusable alternatives and avoiding unnecessary packaging, we can help prevent waste before it is created.
Plastic Free July doesn't have to mean drastic lifestyle changes – consider taking a reusable coffee cup to your local café, carrying a reusable shopping bag, choosing loose fruit and vegetables where possible, or bringing a refillable water bottle when you're out and about.
The huge Winter Wonderland event is once again on board to support waste reduction efforts. Alongside the invitation to bring your own cutlery, mugs, bags, plates, etc, and wash them up at the Wash Station provided, selected food vendors will be serving their delicious meals on Better Dishes. These reusable trays are collected, washed, and used again - look out for the Better Dishes stations and help us make this year's event cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for everyone.
The Plastic Free July goal isn't perfection, it's about learning, trying new habits and finding practical ways to reduce plastic use that can continue well beyond just one month.
As you're taking stock of your household waste and looking for ways to reduce it, remember that tip passes issued for the 2025–26 financial year expire at the end of August. If you've been putting off that trip to the Wylie Bay Waste Facility, now is a great time to get organised and use tip passes before they expire and next year’s passes are issued.
Together, small changes can add up to a big difference for our community and environment. Why not give Plastic Free July a try?
Community Direction
Council Plan 2026-2036 - Objective 5.3 – Develop a sustainable, low waste, circular economy
What we will continue to do:
Undertake community engagement and education to advance the Waste Revolution education platform to encourage community and local businesses to reduce, reuse and recycle.
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