Reducing waste and circular economy

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What is the circular economy?

A circular economy is one where no resources are wasted, materials are kept at their highest value for as long as possible and nature is regenerated. Processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting help retain value. Designing items to last and to be able to participate in all these activities is at the heart of a circular economy.

The circular economy addresses climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It unlinks economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. Using renewable energy and materials, the circular economy is a resilient system that is good for business, people, and the environment.

What is the linear economy?

To understand why we need to change to a circular economy, you first need to understand where we are now. In our current linear economy resources are extracted from the environment, processed into goods, used, then discarded. It’s a one-way conveyor belt, where natural resources are being depleted on one side and waste is building up on the other. This is not sustainable long-term.

The circular economy is based on three principles, driven by circular design:

Design out waste and pollution
Circulate products and materials (at their highest value)
Regenerate nature

Watch the Circularity rate explained video (2m 32s) from DEECA for more information.

How can my business participate in the circular economy?

This information sheet is designed for businesses who want to find ways they can increase their participation in the circular economy.

Download the Darebin Guide to Getting involved in the Circular Economy for Business(PDF, 631KB)

Make a 'Go Circular' Plan

The first step to going circular is to make a plan!

It’s not practical to become fully circular all at once. Careful planning ensures you can take each step when you’re ready, and as your community evolves. This step-by-step guide is intended for businesses who would like to transform the way they do things to become a circular business.

Download the Go Circular Plan for Business(PDF, 359KB)

Waste reduction

Reducing waste saves you money and is an important first step towards a circular economy. Find out more about ways you can reduce waste in your business.

Eliminating single-use plastics

The Victorian Government has banned many single-use plastics, like straws, cutlery, plates, and polystyrene containers, to reduce waste and protect the environment. Businesses can switch to reusable alternatives, improve recycling, and reduce packaging.

Download Darebin’s Plastic Free Business Guide(PDF, 2MB) for tips, suppliers, and examples to help your business go plastic free. You can also watch our sustainable cafes video to see reuse solutions in action and our food cleanliness video to ensure containers are safe and meet all legal requirements.

See the Victorian Government's single use plastics ban website for more information.