Recycling and waste reduction and what your strata building can do

Every strata building generates waste, but effective waste management is about more than just recycling. Done well, it can improve the look and feel of common areas, reduce contamination, and help build a more sustainable community. And the good news is that many of the best initiatives cost very little to get off the ground.

In the ACT, one strata community has been running a container recycling program for two years, redirecting eligible containers through the Container Deposit Scheme and donating the proceeds to a local food charity. With a small grant, they plan to replace their temporary cardboard collection points with proper bins, a simple upgrade that will improve usability and make sure the program keeps going.

This kind of initiative is replicable in almost any strata building, in almost any state.

Where do you start?

A waste audit is a great first step. What’s going into general waste that could be recycled? Are recycling bins clearly labelled and easy to access? Is contamination an issue?

A resident education session can also make a real difference, even something as simple as a notice on the noticeboard explaining what goes in which bin. It sounds basic, but it works.

If your state has a Container Deposit Scheme, and most do, setting up a collection point in your building is a low-cost, high-impact initiative that benefits both the environment and, potentially, a cause your community cares about.

For buildings with garden space, composting is another great option. It diverts organic waste from landfill, produces natural fertiliser for shared gardens, and creates a visible, tangible outcome that residents can genuinely take pride in.

Small improvements to waste management can deliver lasting benefits for residents and the broader community. When strata communities work together on this, the results speak for themselves.

To find out what waste and recycling programs are available in your state, check with your local council.