The circular economy

The circular economy is not only about avoiding waste, but rethinking whether anything is waste at all, or rather simply something we have not found a new use for yet.

“The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.” Ellen Macarthur Foundation.

Council’s yellow, blue and green bins are examples of the circular economy already in action. Elements of Council’s problem waste collection and drop-off program also see waste reused and recycled. More broadly, even Council’s Library is an example of a circular economy whereby goods are shared rather than purchased privately and potentially discarded.

As a starting point, the aim is to avoid buying items that will obviously become waste e.g. not bagging fruit and vegetables at the supermarket. Avoiding items going to landfill is a priority, but the circular economy is more than just finding another type of bin for items. Donating items is a well-known alternative, but also proactive reuse through initiatives such as the Repair Café, and even facilitating waste to go back into the earth through something as simple as compost.

Council has committed to make the circular economy more accessible at a local level and has set ambitious waste reduction targets as part of the Environmental Action Plan. In 2024 the first Thinker in Residence was appointed, with Regen Sydney moving into the new space at The Boot Factory to guide the development of regenerative activities and initiatives. Council is also working with leading local businesses to develop a Circular Economy Roadmap for Bondi Junction. Subscribe to the Second Nature newsletter to stay up to date on the Thinker in Residence program.

recycled road and active transport
Recycled road and active transport