Australians are being encouraged to reduce, rethink, and contain their 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 aim 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 more than 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 such as takeaway containers, coffee cups, and plastic packaging, pollutes public spaces and endangers wildlife when improperly disposed of.
Reducing waste and preventing incorrect disposal helps curb emissions, protect natural habitat, and support a cleaner, greener Australia.
Laura Carrazza, Head of Community Programs at Keep Australia Beautiful said the challenge is a great opportunity for Australians to make small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting impact.
“Conscious consumption and forward planning are key to making better, long-term purchase decisions,” Carrazza said.
The ‘Contain Your Waste’ Challenge encourages participants to plan their waste generation for the week, making thoughtful choices when shopping, cooking, or travelling.
Everyone can participate. Participants are encouraged to track their waste reduction efforts, share their experiences on social media, and inspire others to join by tagging @KeepAustraliaBeautiful on Facebook and Instagram
For more information, visit www.kab.org.au/contain-your-waste
Related stories:
Keeping Australia beautiful since 1971
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities awards recognise resource recovery, sustainability