The City of Cockburn is the first local government in WA to install a zero-waste station where consumers can refill reusable containers with a range of household liquids.
Located at its flagship aquatic and recreation centre Cockburn ARC, the Skipping Stones Refillery provides a variety of WA-made eco-conscious products including dish and laundry detergents, shampoo and conditioner, plus body wash and lotion, and hand wash.
City of Cockburn Waste Education Coordinator Clare Courtauld said the City was proud to support the Cockburn community in waste reduction, reuse principles, and the circular economy.
“Our community has told us it wants the City to provide opportunities to help it practice sustainability,” Ms Courtauld said.
“The Skipping Stones Refillery supplies affordable commonly used household and personal liquids on tap by weight which buyers dispense into their own reusable containers.
“Locating the station at the City of Cockburn’s aquatic and recreation centre makes it easily accessible for our community, especially with 1.4 million visitors to Cockburn ARC in Cockburn Central every year.
“We hope many of these people will take advantage of the opportunity to reduce their waste and help our planet by using their own containers over and over again, rather than buying products in a new container every time.
“We appeal to our fellow local governments to join us as we provide more real options to reduce the 2.4 million tonnes of plastic generated by Australians each year, according to Clean Up Australia, with 90 per cent of that disposed of in landfill annually.”
In coming months, the City will introduce a refill reward rebate program for Cockburn residents to further encourage use of the refill station.
Skipping Stones Owner Mia Pitassi said the permanent refill station was a positive addition to a mobile store her social enterprise operated across the Perth metropolitan area.
“I have operated a mobile wagon at several community markets across Perth for more than four years,” Miss Pitassi said.
“As the circular economy grows and people look for ways to reduce their waste footprint, there is an appetite for permanent stations where people can make it part of their regular shopping routine.
“I ensure I choose products that consumers value for their eco-conscious ingredients which are manufactured in Perth and Albany, for a minimal carbon footprint.
“This circular economy eliminates unnecessary waste and pollution from long-distance logistics.”
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said he was excited the refill option would be available to Cockburn locals on a permanent basis, to help them reduce the mountains of single-use plastics disposed of in landfill every year in Australia.
“People are looking for ways to reduce their waste to sustain and improve the health of our planet and local economies,” Mayor Howlett said.
“The City is proud to be involved in this initiative which resonates with our community where care for the environment is a high priority.”
Find out more about Skipping Stones Refillery on its
website.
Caption: L-R, Cockburn ARC Customer Experience Coordinator Caroline Lindsay, City of Cockburn Waste Education Coordinator Clare Courtauld, and Skipping Stones owner Mia Pitassi.