Reuse, repair and circular economy
Reuse and repair keeps items in use for longer and reduces what is thrown away. It can save you money as reuse and repair is often cheaper than buying new. You might even find free items through online marketplaces!
What is a circular economy?
At Inner West Council, we’re committed to building a sustainable community built on a circular economy. Nothing is wasted in a circular economy. Items are reused, repaired, shared, repurposed or recycled, keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible.
The circular economy values materials that would otherwise be thrown out, as resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from production and transport of new materials and minimises items going to landfill. It creates new jobs in repair, refurbishment and recycling supporting our local economy.
This diagram shows how you can apply circular economy thinking to an everyday item.
Image credit: ACT State of the Environment
A circular economy starts with us
How can you get involved?
Making small, mindful choices in our everyday lives can reduce waste, save you money, strengthen community connections and preserve resources for future generations.
It’s not about being perfect - it’s about action. Start with one simple change, share the journey with a friend and build from there. Whether it’s repairing a broken item instead of throwing it out, choosing a reusable option or asking a friend to borrow an outfit. Together, we can build a thriving circular economy.
Easy ways to join the circular economy:
Say “no thanks” to what you don’t need—especially single-use items.
Tip: Skip plastic bags, straws, cutlery, produce bags, balloons, and unnecessary packaging.
Make do with what you have or choose reusable over disposable, buy second hand, or borrow and share items with friends.
Tip: Use beeswax wraps, reusable coffee cups, or repurpose jars for snacks or pantry storage.
Before throwing something out, see if you can fix it or give it a new life.
Tip: Repair torn clothes or repaint old furniture. Try a workshop at The Bower to boost your repair skills.
Only put bottles, cans, containers, paper and cardboard in your yellow lid bin.
Tip: Many other items like batteries, soft plastics and problem wastes can be recycled if taken to the dedicated drop off points. Check the A-Z: What goes where? guide to find drop off points near you. The HomeCycle doorstep service is funded to support those who can’t get to drop off points themselves to recycle items beyond the yellow lid bin.
Reduce food waste and give back to the earth by composting at home or using your FOGO bin.
Tip: Try growing your own herbs on your balcony or backyard, reducing packaging and saving money.
Get involved, share tips, and support your community.
Tip: Share your reuse, repair and recycle tips with your family, friends and neighbours! Joining a local collective can also boost mental wellbeing while helping the environment.
Choose unique pre-loved items or gift experiences to avoid waste.
Tip: Think concert tickets, local workshops, or op shop/online marketplace treasures.
Before you reach for something new, take a moment to pause. Here are some simple questions to help you make thoughtful choices that reduce waste and save you money:
- Do I need it?: Could I use something I already have?
- Will I use it often?: If I won’t use it often, will borrowing be better?
- Can I get it second-hand?: Op shops and online marketplaces have great pre-loved options.
- Is it good quality?: Buying durable and repairable items means it lasts longer, saving money over time.
- Who made it?: Support brands that treat people and the planet well. Read about common eco labels and what they mean here.
- How is it packaged?: Less packaging = less waste. Recyclable or compostable packaging is best.
- What happens when I’m done?: Can I reuse, repair, donate, sell, or recycle it?
Extended producer responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) makes companies financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially once they can no longer be used.
EPR encourages brands to design products to last, that can be easily recycled at end of life so less waste is created. It ensures their products can be repaired, upgraded, recycled or disposed of safely at the end of their life.
An example of an EPR scheme is the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Widespread drop off locations makes it easy for the community to recycle old TVs and computers. Inner West residents can drop-off accepted items for free at our Community Recycle Centres and the costs of the recycling is covered by the producers, not Council (ratepayers).
Buying something new?
Ask the seller if they offer a take-back service for recycling the old item you are replacing. If they don’t, let them know it matters to you. Every time we ask, we help change the system.
If you want to get involved check out these EPR programs:
Voluntary EPR programs (optional for brands to participate):
Image credit: Seamless
How Council helps build a circular economy
Inner West Council is already helping to build a thriving local circular economy by supporting local reuse, repair, recycling, and resource-sharing initiatives that keep materials in use for longer and reduce waste.
Here are some examples of how Council is playing a part:
The Inner West Sustainability Hub located in Summer Hill is a one-of-a-kind space in the Inner West, bringing together Council’s Green Living Centre and local not-for-profit organisations: The Bower, Re Place and Dress for Success, that help you repair, reuse, recycle and reduce your environmental impact.
From second hand shopping, repair programs to edible garden workshops, the Sustainability Hub makes it easier to live sustainably. It’s all about practical skills, community connection, and building a thriving circular economy.
These organisations also support important social outcomes through programs like The Bower’s ‘From House to Home’ that furnishes homes for refugees and asylum seekers, survivors of domestic violence, those who have been homeless and others in need. Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing support, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive in work and life.
Council offers a rebate on reusable nappies, sanitary products and incontinence underwear. Switching to these reusable products is a great way to save a huge amount of money over time and reduce waste to landfill. Each person who menstruates uses about 10,000 disposable sanitary products in their lifetime which can take up to 800 years to break down in landfill. Although the upfront cost of reusable sanitary products is higher, you will break even within 3 months with the rebate.
Unwanted paint is collected from residents at the St Peters Community Recycling Centre, then processed for reuse by Circle Paints, a truly circular local business, that sells discount leftover or unused paint rather than recycling and disposing. Good quality water-based paints will be available for purchase online at half the price of major retail stores. Paint not meeting the required quality criteria will be recycled through the NSW EPA Problem waste process.
Donate reusable whitegoods, furniture and household items to The Bower ‘From House to Home’ program, which helps survivors of domestic violence, those who have been homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, and others most in need in our community. Drop off or book a collection with The Bower.
Kerbside recycling and FOGO collection: Bottles, cans, containers and paper and cardboard collected in the yellow lid recycling bin are turned into new items (many right here in Australia!), extending the life of these materials. Food scraps and garden organics are collected in the green lid FOGO bin and turned into high quality compost for use on farms to grow food that ends up on our plate. Read more about where your waste goes.
The Community Recycling Centres accept problem wastes and e-waste for free. No proof of residence is required. Residential quantities only, be sure to check the website.
Council can pick up whitegoods, metals and mattresses for recycling – be sure to select the correct category when booking.
Council hosts a network of local reuse and repair organisations and businesses driving the circular economy in the Inner West. Reach out to rethink.waste@innerwest.nsw.gov.au to find out more.
Council supports the circular economy through the procurement of products and services that incorporate a reuse, repair and sustainability focus. For example, recycled rubber is used in playground surfacing, Council "bought back" FOGO compost for use during National Tree Planting Day and recycled glass is used in road base.