Australia, Can You Contain Your Waste? Join the National Challenge, 18-24 November 2024

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Australia, it’s time to reduce, rethink, and contain your waste like never before! Keep Australia Beautiful’s ‘Contain Your Waste’ Challenge is back, running from 18-24 November 2024. This national event invites Australians to rethink consumption habits by aiming to fit an entire week’s worth of waste inside a single container of their choice—whether it’s a bin, box, or even a jar.

Why take the challenge?

The purpose of ‘Contain Your Waste’ is to raise awareness about Australia’s waste production and inspire practical steps toward reducing it. The challenge, which applies to waste generated at home, work, and on the go, encourages participants to minimise waste by choosing products with less packaging, composting food scraps, and reusing items rather than discarding them.

Australia generates over 20 million tonnes of waste annually, with the average household contributing 540 kilograms each year. Much of this ends up in landfill, where it releases methane–a potent greenhouse gas that harms our environment. At the same time, litter from single-use items like takeaway containers, coffee cups, and plastic packaging, pollutes public spaces and endangers wildlife when improperly disposed of. By reducing waste and preventing incorrect disposal, we can help curb emissions, protect our natural habitat, and  support a cleaner, greener Australia.

“The Contain Your Waste challenge is a great opportunity for Australians—whether at home, school, or work—to make small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting impact,” says Laura Carrazza, Head of Community Programs at Keep Australia Beautiful.

“Conscious consumption and forward planning are key to making better, long-term purchase decisions.

“Not only will you positively impact Australia’s waste streams, but you’ll also gain insights into your own waste habits, ideally leading to lasting behavioural changes. Do The Right Thing & Keep Australia Clean,” added Ms Carrazza.

 

Tips to Reduce Your Waste

The ‘Contain Your Waste’ Challenge encourages participants to plan their waste generation for the week, making thoughtful choices when shopping, cooking, or travelling. Here are some practical tips to get started:

  • Bringing reusable bags, containers, and water bottles to avoid single-use packaging when out and about.
  • Opting for bulk purchases to reduce packaging.
  • Composting food scraps instead of tossing them.

 

Who can take part?

Everyone is welcome to participate–individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community groups. Participants are encouraged to track their waste reduction efforts, share their experiences on social media, and inspire others to join. Share your challenge journey by tagging @KeepAustraliaBeautiful on Facebook and Instagram, and don’t forget to use #ContainYourWaste2024!

Are you ready to see how much you can contain? Help create a cleaner, greener Australia by reducing your footprint one container at a time.

More information: kab.org.au/contain-your-waste/

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