Tasmania, a place where nothing is 'wasted'

This calendar focuses on everyday action from avoiding waste and reducing packaging to composting food scraps, repairing items, and supporting a circular economy. By working together as a community, we can reduce landfill, protect our local environment, and help build a cleaner, more sustainable Burnie for the future.

Each month aligns with seasonal relevance, Burnie community interests, Tasmanian/National strategies and initiatives from Rethink Waste, NWRRR, and more.

 

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February: Back to School, Back to Sustainability

February – Back to School, Back to Sustainability

February marks the return to school and work routines, a perfect opportunity to build simple, sustainable habits that last all year. This month focuses on reducing everyday waste from lunchboxes, classrooms, and workplaces, while protecting our local environment.

This Month’s Focus

  1. School and workplace waste reduction
  2. Waste-free lunchboxes
  3. Building long-term sustainable habits

 

Schools & Learning Communities

Rethink Waste Schools Program

Schools across Burnie can access free education resources through the Rethink Waste Schools Program, helping students learn practical ways to reduce waste and recycle correctly.

The program supports schools with:
  • Curriculum-linked waste education resources
  • School waste audits and action plans
  • Support for setting up recycling and organics systems
  • Practical learning that builds lifelong sustainable habits

 

Easy Actions for Schools, Workplaces & Families

  • Using reusable lunch containers, drink bottles, wraps, and cutlery
  • Choosing fresh foods and snacks with little or no packaging
  • Packing fruit, homemade snacks, and leftovers
  • Avoiding cling wrap and single-use plastic bags
  • Reusing jars, bags, and containers for storage and lunches
  • Labelling lunch items to reduce lost property and replacements
  • Passing on or reusing school uniforms, bags, and stationery

 

Waste Audits: Learn What You Throw Away

A waste audit helps schools and workplaces understand what waste they produce, what can be avoided or reused, and where recycling can be improved. February is a great time to start a simple audit and set goals for the year ahead.

Reuse Ideas

  • Jars and containers: storage, craft, pantry use
  • Reusable bags: lunch bags, library bags, sports gear
  • Uniforms: hand-me-downs, swaps, or donations
  • Office supplies: reuse folders, boxes, and stationery

 

Spotlight: World Wetlands Day – 2 February

Protecting Burnie’s wetlands starts with reducing waste.Burnie’s wetlands play an important role in supporting wildlife, improving water quality, and protecting our coastline. Litter and pollution can easily travel from streets and stormwater drains into wetlands and waterways.You can help by:
  • Choose reusable containers instead of disposable packaging
  • Keep rubbish secured so it doesn’t escape into drains
  • Dispose of waste correctly to prevent pollution from reaching wetlands
  • Healthy wetlands start with everyday choices made at home, school, and work.

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    Small habits make a big difference.
    Simple changes at school, work, and home help reduce waste, protect our wetlands, and keep Burnie clean and liveable.

     

    January: Fresh Start for a Low-Waste Year

    A new year is the perfect time to start fresh. January is all about simple, achievable changes that help reduce waste and protect our local environment. Small actions at home can make a big difference over the year.

    This Month’s Focus

    • Reducing waste before it’s created
    • Choosing reusable over single-use items
    • Buying only what you need

    The most effective way to manage waste is to avoid it in the first place. This sits at the top of Tasmania’s Waste Reduction Hierarchy.

     

    Waste-Free Planning

    • Plan waste-free holidays and outings with reusable containers and cutlery.
    • Get ready for back-to-school with reusable lunch items and second-hand supplies.
    • Think ahead to Valentine’s Day — try a handmade or upcycled gift.

     

    Easy Actions You Can Take

    • Swap single-use plastics for reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
    • Declutter mindfully: donate, reuse, or resell items instead of discarding them.
    • Plan shopping trips with a list to avoid impulse buys and excess packaging.
    • Choose second-hand or locally made items where possible.
    • Try a “Buy Nothing New” challenge for a week or a month.

     

    Spotlight: E-waste and Batteries

    Old electronics and batteries should not be placed in household bins. When disposed of incorrectly, they can cause fires and environmental harm.

    Take e-waste and household batteries to approved drop-off points to ensure valuable materials are safely recovered.


    Start small.     One or two changes are all it takes to build better habits. Together, these actions help keep Burnie clean, reduce landfill, and protect our beautiful environment.
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    Circular Living Key Concepts 

    • 🗑️  Waste Reduction Hierarchy (avoid > reduce > reuse > recycle > recover > dispose)
    • ♻️ Circular Economy Principles (Design out waste, keep materials in use, and help regenerate nature)
    • 📦 Packaging awareness (Australian Packaging Covenant - product stewardship scheme)
    • 🥕 Eat local and in-season. Paddock-to-Plate, supporting local farmers.
    • 🌿 Composting, “grow your own” & low waste landscaping
    • 🌏 Key goals: Tasmania’s Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2023 – 2026

       

    ▶️ Tasmania Waste Strategy Priorities:

    • Priority 1: Avoidance and circularity (Jan, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul)
    • Priority 2: Organic recovery (Feb, May, Sept)
    • Priority 3: Resource recovery (Mar, Oct, Nov)
    • Target Support: 80% resource recovery by 2030, 50% landfill reduction by 2040.  
    • Initiatives: FOGO rollout, container refund scheme, localised education.

     

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