Join The Great Unwaste challenge and help combat food waste!

Published on 03 March 2025

In an exciting step towards reducing food waste and creating a more sustainable community, Ballina Shire Council has joined The Great Unwaste.

Led by the national not-for-profit End Food Waste Australia (EFWA), The Great Unwaste aims to rally Australians across the country to make simple changes that can have a big impact on reducing the amount of food they throw away, saving money and creating a more sustainable future.

By promoting simple yet impactful habits such as proper food storage, flexible meal planning, and creative ways to use leftovers, The Great Unwaste is encouraging Australians to take control of their food waste.

End Food Waste Australia has set an ambitious target to reduce the country’s household food waste by approximately 20 per cent by 2030, as part of Australia’s goal to halve food waste by that year.

By joining the movement, Ballina Shire Council reinforces its commitment to sustainability and the environment while encouraging residents to take a role in reducing the 2.5 million tonnes of household food wasted each year. That’s approximately 7.7 million meals every single day!

GET INVOLVED

The campaign kicks off on 16 March with the 6-week Unwaste challenge. All interested residents are encouraged to participate each Sunday for six weeks.

Starting on 16 March participants will receive an email with helpful tips to reduce food waste to trial at home. Additional support will include a meal planning template, a spreadsheet to help track your waste, and direct communication with Council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer.

"We are thrilled to join The Great Unwaste and support our community to tackle the important issue of food waste,” said Justine Rowe, Council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer.

“This campaign offers simple, effective behaviours that every household in Ballina Shire can easily adopt to reduce waste and save money.”

Mandy Hall, Campaign Director at End Food Waste Australia, welcomed the partnership.

"We’re delighted to have Ballina Shire Council join The Great Unwaste. Local councils play an important role in fostering change, and we’re confident Ballina’s leadership will inspire local residents to reduce food waste, without blame or shame, and make a lasting impact on their environment,” said Ms Hall.

Residents of Ballina Shire Council can visit bsc-great-unwaste.paperform.co or Council’s website to register.

For free tools and resources visit thegreatunwaste.com.au