Byron Shire council targets takeaway packaging

Byron Shire Council is running a three month scheme, aimed at reducing single-use takeaway packaging around Brunswick Heads, New South Wales.

The ‘Bring it Back Bruns’ project, funded by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), is the first of its kind, according to the council.

Sarah Child, council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and Engagement Officer, said the project is a local circular solution that, so far, has received positive feedback.

She said the project involves council supplying local businesses with reusable containers to offer their customers. The customers use the containers and return them to a participating business or nearby collection bins.

“We’ve partnered with My Green Plate who collect the used containers, wash them in an industrial machine and return them to participating businesses for future use,” Child said.

The first two businesses to jump onboard the ‘Bring it Back Bruns’ trial are Brunswick Heads Health Foods and Bernardi’s Gelato. Child said the businesses have helped encourage the community to trial the reusable system.

The trial will run for three months, initially on weekends only, with the hope it will be expanded.

“From council’s perspective, it’s about putting a system in place that makes it easy for people to choose to reuse and change behaviours for a more sustainable future,” Child said.

The project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.

For more information, visit: www.byron.nsw.gov.au