Waste Reduction Tips

Practicing reduce and reuse, the first two Rs of the 3Rs, helps reduce the total amount of waste generated on the Sunshine Coast.

Watch this video for easy steps you can take to reduce waste:

  • Ask yourself if an item is truly needed.
  • Refuse unnecessary items (e.g. like swag, take out containers etc.).
  • Search for second-hand items first before buying new.
  • Buy quality, long-lasting and durable items.
  • Look for quality clothes that are made to last.
  • Buy items in bulk, in concentrate or in refillable and/or recyclable packaging. ​

  • Repair your items and clothes instead of buying new.
    • Repair cafes are hosted by local residents regularly at Gibsons and Sechelt – Search for repair cafe on Facebook for more information.
  • Borrow, share or rent items if possible such as tools, carpet cleaning and gardening equipment.

Share Shed

Visit the Share Shed at the Pender Harbour Transfer Station

  • Accepted at the share shed: Children’s toys, housewares, small appliances, sports equipment, tools and as space permits, staff may allow furniture and large appliances.
  • Not Accepted at the share shed: baby/child safety items, clothing, fabric, textiles, bedding, curtains towels, household hazardous waste like paint, cleaning products or fuel, mattresses, liquids and sofa beds

  • Bring a reusable coffee mug, water bottle and reusable bags everywhere you go.
  • Have your own set of reusable cutlery, chopsticks and straw for work, eating out and school.
  • Pack work and school lunches in reusable containers.
  • Host events with real dishware whenever possible and ask others to bring their own dishes.
  • Bring your own container to take-out restaurants and cafes and ask staff to use them.
  • Businesses on the coast offer refills of containers for lots of things from beer in growlers, to household cleaners to shampoos and soaps!

  • Bring reusable shopping bags and produce bags to the grocery store and shops.
  • Love tap water and give a pass on bottled water.
  • Cover leftover food with beeswax wrap or plates or put in reusable containers, instead of using plastic cling wrap.
  • Refuse to buy products that come in un-recyclable plastic packaging.
  • Learn what plastic is and isn’t recyclable in the Guide to Depot Recycling.