Join the City of Cockburn in the fight against single-use containers, especially plastic.
- Plastic waste is a growing problem in our local community and globally. Recycling alone is not enough to tackle this issue
- Only about 13% of plastic used in Australia is actually recycled. For plastic packaging specifically, less than 20% is recycled
- Over 2.4 million tonnes of plastic waste is created each year, and 90% ends up in landfill
- Australia sends 225,000 tonnes of plastic waste overseas annually—often to countries that also struggle to manage it
- Households are the largest contributors to plastic waste in Australia. High density polyethylene, commonly used for packaging liquid soaps and detergents, constitutes 32% of the plastic waste stream
- Plastics left to breakdown in the environment leach microplastics into the environment.
These statistics highlight that a significant portion of plastic waste continues to end up in landfills or is exported.
To really solve the plastic problem, we need to stop producing so much plastic waste in the first place, and support a circular economy through initiatives such as the Zero Waste Refill Station.
The Zero Waste Refill Machine is part of a committment from the City to support the Cockburn community in waste reduction and reuse principles, providing opportunity to practice sustainability and contribute to a circular economy.
The machine operates similar to a vending machine - the big difference is that the customer brings their own reusable container. Both plastic and glass containers can be used, however customers will need to make sure their containers are clean and dry, with the old labels removed to avoid any confusion later at home.
The products in the Zero Waste Refillery are sustainable, local (made in Perth and Albany) and eco-conscious options. They including dish and laundry detergents, shampoo and conditioner, plus body wash and lotion, and hand wash. The cost of the refill is determined by weight.
With over with over 1.4 million visits a year to Cockburn ARC, the City hopes that the refill station will be used regularly and create a lasting impact in the reduction of plastic waste. It is challenging to estimate, but if just half of the visitors to Cockburn ARC use the station for one household product, then it is hoped at least half a million plastic containers would be diverted from landfill.
The rebate reward program is operated in conjunction with an app called Monyx. A rebate of $20 will be issued to the applicant in the form of a voucher on the app, which can be used anywhere that acceps Nayax cashless payments (unmanned machines; Zero Waste station, vending machines etc).
- Download and create a profile in the Monyx app (available through the Google Play or Apple App Store).
- Make five purchases at the Zero Waste Refill Machine.
- Upload the receipts from each purchase, along with proof of address using the Refill Reward Rebate Form below.
- After processing, a voucher of $20 will be credited to your app.
To be eligible you must be a City of Cockburn resident.
Please contact the City’s Waste Education Team for more information on 08 9411 3444 or email
[email protected]