Sustainable business

Single-use plastics

On 1st February 2023, single-use straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria.

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

Check out our plastic free Darebin business guide to find reusable alternatives. Our sustainable cafes video also highlights some of the reuse alternatives you could adopt.

Other programs to support you reduce your use of single-use plastics include:

If you are running an event and looking for reuse options these organisations may be able to help:

If you have a food business watch our video about cleanliness to ensure all food is safe to consume, in containers fit for purpose and you meet all your legal responsibilities.

Light$mart – free LED lighting upgrades

All businesses and organisations in Darebin can apply for a free or subsidised LED lighting upgrade through our Light$mart program.

Our Sustainable Business Team as your local program experts can guide you through this program. It's quick and easy to register online:

Sustainable business registration

You can also email sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au to get involved.

Solar for business

Darebin's Business Solar Bulk Buy program is now up and running. Through this program you can access support for installing solar on your business, as well as a quote from a reliable installer that offers value for money and has been selected through a competitive tender process. Go to Darebin's Solar Bulk Buy page to find out more and register your interest.

The State Government as part of the Solar for Business Program has rebates of up to $3,500 available for eligible Victorian small businesses to install solar power systems up to 30kW. Interest free loans of up to $5,000 (which can be paid back over 1 - 2 years) are also available to help with the installation costs of solar.

Apply and find out more about the Solar for Business Program.

Eligible businesses that go through the Darebin Solar Bulk Buy Program will be supported to access the Solar Victoria rebates.

Energy Compare

The Victorian Government's Energy Compare tool is a free independent energy price comparison tool that will help your business get the best electricity and gas offer. Use the GreenPower filter on the website to access 100% renewable energy.

Business recycling bins

Up to two 240 litre yellow-lidded recycling bins, collected fortnightly from kerbside, are available to Darebin businesses for a one-off charge of of $100.10* (GST exempt) per bin, or $200.20* for two bins.

* Fees and charges may change, participating businesses will be kept informed of charges.

Find out more about recycling for your business.

Business organic waste recycling

Our organic waste recycling services guide provides a number of free and paid organic recycling options available to Darebin businesses.

Cafe to Garden

Our Cafe to Garden program helps local cafes recycle their coffee grounds. You can discover what cafes are currently participating in the Darebin food harvest network.

Email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au to join up.

The circular economy and sustainable purchasing

Is your business ready to join the circular economy and move from a "Take → Make → Waste" model to the "Borrow → Use → Return" model?

Watch some of the speakers at this year's Sustainability Matters event - Business Innovation and the Circular Economy or watch our short video or longer webinar to find out more about what local businesses are doing in this space.

You may also be inspired by our case study videos on these local Circular Economy business champions - Paperloop and Green Earth Recycle/Sunny Electronics.

The Buy Recycled Directory produced by Sustainability Victoria helps to support the circular economy with your purchasing decisions.

Sustainable business leaders

Darebin has many inspiring sustainable business leaders featured on our Sustainable business playlist.

Sustainability events

We hold regular sustainability events, including our annual Sustainability Matters and Green Business Networking events. A number of these are recorded and can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Register to be added to our event email list

Watch our past online events

Past online events can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Efficiency and sustainability health check

Our efficiency and sustainability health check helps you reduce energy bills and waste. Making your business more resilient and sustainable. Eligible businesses get a green business certification and will be promoted on our Business map and Sustainable Darebin map.

Email: sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au to request a check.

Our business and sustainability maps

Is your business listed on our Darebin business map? Use the "add your business" button to get listed.

On our Sustainable Darebin map you can find out where to take your items to be recycled. Support businesses that are going single-use plastic-free.

Free timers for non-perishable drinks fridges and other equipment

We provide free timers for businesses with fridges that contain non-perishable items, helping you reduce energy costs. You may also be able to access them for other equipment like sandwich presses and hot bain-maries.

To request a timer email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Free bike racks for customer parking

You may be able to get a free bicycle parking hoop installed outside your business as part of our Bicycle Racks for Businesses program. Conditions apply.

To find out more fill in our online form.

Environmental upgrade agreements

Environmental upgrade agreements are available for businesses interested in installing large solar systems or undertaking significant energy efficiency upgrades. These agreements allow businesses to access a loan to undertake an environmental upgrade. This loan is repaid via a Council rates charge.

Email: environment.support@darebin.vic.gov.au to find out more.