Romsey – Macedon Ranges Shire

In June 2021, Victoria faced an unprecedented windstorm that caused extensive tree damage. Traditional mulching methods couldn’t handle the massive amount of debris. However, the innovative Kettlewells Green Waste Processing Site emerged as a scalable solution. This site revolutionises green waste treatment by converting debris into valuable products. With over $35 million worth of products generated, including fenceposts, firewood, and habitat, it benefits the entire Victorian community while challenging conventional practices.

Alexandra – Murrindindi Shire

Through two rounds of Circular Economy funding from Sustainability Victoria, Landcare volunteers have partnered with local businesses and the high school students to collect and process organic waste from several businesses. They put food scraps from a local cafe through a dehydrator and fruit and vegetables scraps are broken down and processed through a worm farm. They also run organic waste education sessions for the local community to empower people to reduce or repurpose their organic waste at home.

Beechworth – Indigo Shire

The Quercus Community Garden is a welcoming place for all people to relax, celebrate, wander and learn in. It incorporates a Grow Free Stand which is open 24/7, providing fresh food to the community. Quercus Garden produces food for community meals and home kitchens and increased demand has lead to expanded food production. The Garden adopts a range of sustainability initiatives including; sharing excess garden produce for community meals, reycling all packaging, using reusable bags , feeding left overs to chickens or composting on-site.

Darley – Moorabool Shire

The ‘Bacchus Marsh Circular Economy Community Hub’ run by Darley Neighbourhood House & Learning Centre is a pioneering initiative in Moorabool Shire. This project aims to foster a circular economy by promoting community repair, resource sharing, recycling, repurposing, and extending the lifespan of household items. Through a localised approach, the hub aims to build awareness and capacity, creating a sustainable and resilient community that embraces the principles of the circular economy.

Melbourne – City of Melbourne

1receipt® is an eco-friendly solution that eliminates paper waste and reduces expenses for retailers. It enables customers to store secure, digital receipts that keeps customer account information private from retailers and third parties.  The company aims to solve multiple issues cause by paper including water wastage, tree damage, environmental damage, and health issues from toxins in paper receipts.

Brunswick – City of Merri-bek

Green My Plate (GMP) implement and supply reusable plates, bowls, and cups to food vendors at events and then wash and recirculate. This process is of benefit to events as single-use plates, bowls and cups are removed from the site leaving a cleaner footprint and less waste to clean, as well as diverting waste from landfill. To date they have serviced the Australian Open, Grand Prix, school fetes, along with various other events. GMP also offer consulting to schools and councils by tailoring and designing closed loop systems which require a day-to-day service.

Various suburbs – City of Boroondara, Melbourne & Stonnington

Go Full Circle is a cutting-edge capacity-building program for small and medium business owners, bridging the gap in training and support for circular economy initiatives. Tailored to the hospitality, retail, and professional services sectors, the program empowers 16 local businesses in the cities of Boroondara, Melbourne, and Stonnington. By upskilling their knowledge and implementing circular business models, participants unlock enhanced financial, environmental, and social outcomes for both their businesses and customers.

Geelong – City of Greater Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong’s Modern Cloth Reusable Nappy Program gives parents and carers the opportunity to save money and help reduce their waste through workshops and heavily subsidised products. Parents and carers are encouraged to try replacing disposable nappies with reusable ones by making it as easy to get started. Participants who sign up get to attend a free workshop and have a pack of 5 nappies delivered.