Year: 2018

Specialised Recycling Solutions at Wasteless Pantry

specialised recycling solutions

Discover the Difference with Wasteless Pantry’s Specialised Recycling Solutions 

Not all items are suitable for your regular yellow top kerbside bin recycling. At Wasteless Pantry, we bridge this gap by offering unique recycling services for those hard-to-recycle items, ensuring that they are responsibly processed and don’t end up in landfills.

Updated 9 May 2024

Beauty Product Packaging Recycling Initiative

Locations: Mundaring and Bassendean

We welcome a variety of beauty product containers such as tubes, tubs, bottles, lids, droppers, small jars, and non-aerosol deodorant packaging. Please ensure items are empty and free from makeup brushes, haircare products, aerosols, hazardous goods, and cardboard.

Blister Pack Recycling Service

Prepaid collection bags are available for purchase at both Mundaring and Bassendean as well as online. Blister packs can be recycled in-store for a fee of $4 per 100g to help cover the costs of the recycling service provided via Pharmacycle.

Comprehensive Contact Lens Recycling

Prepaid collection bags are available for purchase at both Mundaring and Bassendean as well as online.

Disposable Razor Recycling Program

Locations: Mundaring and Bassendean

Return all brands of disposable blades, razors, and their plastic packaging for recycling. Cardboard packaging should be recycled separately.

Hair Care and Dye Kit Recycling

Locations: Mundaring and Bassendean

Our program accepts all brands of hair coloring and hair care packaging that can’t be recycled via your kerbside bin. Please exclude cardboard packaging.

Household Battery Collection

This program is now closed – please recycle via Coles, Aldi or Woolworths collection boxes.

Ink Cartridge Recycling Effort

Locations: Mundaring and Bassendean

Recycle your brand name inkjet, toner cartridges, and other printer consumables with us. Please remove all packaging before drop-off.

Mobile Phone Recycling for a Cause

Locations: Mundaring and Bassendean

Donate all mobile phones and chargers. Devices are either reused once data has been removed or responsibly recycled through Mobile Muster.

Oral Care Recycling Program

Locations: Mundaring and Bassendean

Bring in your empty toothpaste tubes, caps, plastic packaging, toothbrushes, and floss containers. Exclude bamboo and electric toothbrushes.

Plastic Bottle Top and Rings Recycling

This program is now closed please recycle via your local Containers for Change.

Writing Instruments Recycling Drive

Location: Mundaring

We accept any brand of pen, marker, highlighter, and more. Exclusions include glue sticks, erasers, wooden pencils and cutting objects.

Explore More Recycling Options

For additional specialised recycling solutions in your area, visit www.recycleright.wa.gov.au.


Win the War on Waste This Christmas

Could you win the war on waste this Christmas? Christmas is often a time of excess—excessive packaging, food, and waste. But what if you could help reduce waste this festive season? At Wasteless Pantry, we’ve been recognized as Waste Champions by the Waste Authority of WA, and we’ve learned that the true champions are the community members who lead by example in their everyday lives. There’s no better time to inspire others to embrace a low-waste lifestyle than during Christmas, when waste is at its peak.

Every year, millions of unwanted gifts are excessively packaged and wrapped, only to be stored away, regifted, or thrown out. Kerbside bins overflow with polystyrene, wrapping paper, packaging, wasted food, and plastic bags. Instead of contributing to the waste problem, let’s focus on creating a more enjoyable and sustainable holiday season. Here’s how you can win the war on waste this Christmas.

Plan Ahead for a Low-Waste Christmas

The key to reducing waste is all in the planning. Consider the type of Christmas you want to have: one filled with family traditions, time with loved ones, generosity, and relaxation. Keep your core values in mind when deciding what to buy or how to celebrate. It will help you realize that the $2 plastic toy may not align with your vision for a meaningful, low-waste holiday.

Tips for Reducing Waste This Christmas

  1. Plan Your Meals
    When planning Christmas meals, avoid over-catering. Plan for what will realistically fit on a plate rather than what your eyes may want to try. This will help reduce food waste and leftovers. If you do have leftovers, transform them into easy meals for later. Get creative, and you’ll save time and effort while minimizing waste.
  2. Share the Load
    Ask guests to bring containers for leftovers. This way, everyone can take home food, and you’ll reduce the chances of waste. Turn Christmas lunch leftovers into a simple dinner, and you’ve given the gift of a relaxing Boxing Day without any cooking required!
  3. Use Reusable Containers
    Serve your Christmas dishes in beautiful containers that also double as storage for leftovers. If food doesn’t make it to the fridge quickly and easily, it’s more likely to be thrown out. Avoid cling wrap, and opt for containers with lids to keep your food fresh.
  4. Organize Your Bins
    Make sure your recycling, composting, and reusing bins are clearly marked. Know what can be recycled locally to ensure that as little as possible ends up in landfill. Even better, encourage reuse—children often love playing with boxes and packaging, giving them a second life before they’re recycled.

Final Thoughts

Christmas doesn’t have to be wasteful. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can reduce waste, share the love, and enjoy a more sustainable holiday season. By focusing on eco-friendly traditions, reducing food waste, and eliminating excessive packaging, you’re not just giving to your loved ones—you’re also giving back to the planet.


Zero Waste Entertaining

The festive season is all about celebrating with good food and great company. As much as I love the idea of preparing a feast, I prefer meals that can be made ahead of time so I can spend more time connecting with guests and less time in the kitchen. With a little planning, you can entertain in a sustainable way by reducing waste and creating delicious, zero-waste meals. Here’s a simple, tried-and-true meal plan for your next gathering.

Starters

  • Dukkah, olive oil, and chunks of crusty bread
    Zero waste tip: BYO containers to Wasteless Pantry for the dukkah and oil. Bring your reusable bread bag to the bakery for plastic-free bread, or better yet, make your own!

  • Soya crisps, Nordic crackers, corn chips, and smashed avocado
    Add a little lemon juice to the avocado for a quick and tasty dip, and serve with rice cracker salad or mixed nuts.
    Zero waste tip: BYO containers for snacks from Wasteless Pantry and use a reusable produce bag for the avocado. Serve the snacks in wide-mouthed upcycled jars—just pop the lid back on if they’re not finished, and nothing will go stale.

Main Course

  • Brown Rice Salad
    Super easy to make in about 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for lunch leftovers in the days following your event. Soaking the rice overnight will reduce cooking time.
    Zero waste tip: BYO containers for rice, seeds, currants, oil, and soy sauce. Use what you have on hand—swap red onion for shallots or sultanas for currants to minimize waste.

  • Roasted Vegetables
    Roast whatever veggies you have available, even if they’re looking a bit limp.
    Zero waste tip: Use reusable produce bags when shopping, and skip the peeling—just wash and roast. Reusable baking liners or a lightly oiled tray will eliminate the need for disposable baking paper.

  • Roasted Meat or Chicken Wings
    Choose smaller cuts of meat to reduce cooking time and energy consumption, and serve with a variety of roasted vegetables.
    Zero waste tip: Take your own container to the butcher to avoid plastic packaging. Encourage your guests to fill up on veggies for a healthier, lower-impact meal.

Dessert

  • Christmas Cake
    This long-lasting cake (up to 3 months!) ensures you’ll always have something on hand for unexpected visitors.

  • Fruit Platter or Grilled Stone Fruit with Cinnamon Sugar
    Zero waste tip: Buy in-season, local fruit to reduce food miles. Leftovers can be used for smoothies or fruit salad. Grab your cinnamon sugar from Wasteless Pantry in a reusable container—it’s a perfect match for grilled fruit.

  • Bliss Balls
    These can be made ahead and frozen in batches, so you’re always prepared for last-minute gatherings.
    Zero waste tip: Get creative with the ingredients—use up what’s already in your pantry, whether it’s macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, or dried apricots. Roll them in coconut or dip them in chocolate for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

This zero-waste meal plan is customizable, simple, and delicious! It’s also an opportunity to showcase how easy it is to entertain sustainably. By sourcing ingredients from Wasteless Pantry and using reusable containers and produce bags, you’ll reduce packaging waste and food waste while enjoying a festive feast with friends and family.


Zero Waste Christmas Cake Recipe

Looking to bake a Christmas cake that’s not only delicious but also environmentally friendly? Try this old-fashioned Zero Waste Christmas Cake, the winning recipe from this year’s Wasteless Pantry Bake Off. With ingredients you can easily purchase packaging-free from Wasteless Pantry, this cake is a perfect treat for the holiday season. Plus, it can be stored for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a festive dessert ready to share.

Ingredients:

  • 510g sultanas
  • 265g raisins
  • 155g currants
  • 150g pitted dates (chopped)
  • 100g glace cherries (chopped)
  • 75g dried cranberries
  • 75g dried pineapple
  • 50g mixed peel
  • 185ml brandy (or substitute with orange juice for an alcohol-free version)
  • 2 tsp finely grated orange rind
  • 250g softened butter (can substitute canola oil for a dairy-free version)
  • 200g brown sugar
  • 4 eggs (or substitute with 4 tsp flaxseed meal mixed with 4 tbsp water for an egg-free version)
  • 300g plain flour (or substitute gluten-free plain flour)
  • 2 tsp mixed spice
  • Blanched almonds & cherries for decoration
  • 2 tbsp brandy to drizzle (optional)

Method:

  1. Macerate the Fruit
    In a large bowl, combine the sultanas, raisins, currants, dates, glace cherries, cranberries, dried pineapple, mixed peel, and brandy (or orange juice). Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2 days to allow the fruit to soak up the flavors.

  2. Prepare the Cake Pan
    Grease a 22cm cake pan and line the base with a reusable tray liner or grease a springform pan. Preheat the oven to 150°C.

  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
    In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs (or flaxseed mixture) one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  4. Mix the Cake Batter
    Stir the butter mixture into the macerated fruit mixture. Then add the flour and mixed spice, folding until just combined.

  5. Fill the Cake Pan
    Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake pan, tapping the pan lightly on the benchtop to release any air bubbles. Arrange the blanched almonds and cherries on top for decoration.

  6. Bake the Cake
    Cover the cake pan with a larger cake tin (to prevent the top from browning too much) and bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours at 150°C.

  7. Finish the Cake
    If desired, drizzle the hot cake with an additional 2 tbsp of brandy. Allow the cake to cool thoroughly in the pan before turning it out.

  8. Storage
    Store the cake in an airtight, dark container for up to 3 months, allowing the flavors to develop over time.

Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry

By purchasing your ingredients from Wasteless Pantry, you’ll minimize packaging waste and support a sustainable lifestyle. Bring your own containers to refill with dried fruits, flour, sugar, spices, and other essentials. With eco-friendly alternatives available for all your baking needs, you can enjoy a delicious Christmas cake while reducing your environmental impact.

Wasteless Pantry makes it easy to live a zero-waste lifestyle, offering bulk ingredients that help you avoid unnecessary plastic packaging and minimize food waste. Plus, buying only what you need ensures that your pantry stays organized and nothing goes to waste.


Practical Gift Giving Guide

Do your Christmases and birthdays often involve exchanging plastic, over-packaged trinkets and novelty gifts that are quickly forgotten? Maybe you’ve even been the recipient of such gifts. It’s so easy to get swept up in the consumerism of the festive season and make rushed purchases, but thoughtful, practical gift-giving can make all the difference.

As someone passionate about living with less waste, I understand the temptation to buy things during the holidays. Who doesn’t love doing nice things for others? But doing something thoughtful doesn’t always mean buying just to give. It’s important to consider the life of the gift you’re purchasing.

Ask yourself these questions when selecting a gift:

  1. Will this gift bring joy for years to come?
    If yes, then it’s a great choice! If not, perhaps just share the fun story of what you found instead.
  2. Does the person have space for it?
    If yes, fantastic! If not, consider consumable gifts that won’t take up room in their home.
  3. Does this gift align with the person’s values or lifestyle?
    If yes, it’s a thoughtful gesture. If not, you may want to reconsider and support them in becoming the person they want to be.

Choosing the perfect gift is challenging, but don’t forget to ask yourself: Does this person even want a gift from me? Sometimes your time, a helping hand, or a kind gesture can be more meaningful than a physical present.

Practical Gift Ideas from the Wasteless Pantry team:

If you feel you must give something, here are a few low-waste, thoughtful ideas:

  • Handmade Tea Blends: Create a custom tea blend using herbs like lemongrass, peppermint, hibiscus, or chamomile. Package it in a reusable container.
  • Fragrant Bath Bags: Fill a soap nut bag with Epsom salts, bicarb soda, and dried herbs for a soothing bath soak.
  • Homemade Soaps: Palm oil-free soaps make a great gift for eco-conscious friends.
  • Chocolate Bars and Rocky Road: Make your own chocolate bark by melting chocolate and adding toppings like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
  • Reusable Items: Support friends aiming for a zero-waste lifestyle with reusable coffee cups, shopping bags, baking liners, or stainless steel drink bottles.
  • Recipe Jars: Assemble the ingredients for a favorite recipe in a jar, with instructions attached for easy cooking.

These ideas are just the start! Visit Wasteless Pantry for more eco-friendly gift options and personal advice.


12 Ideas for a Zero Waste Christmas 

The holidays are a time for celebration, but they often come with a lot of unnecessary waste. This year, why not take a step towards a zero-waste Christmas? You don’t need to compromise on joy or fun – just make a few mindful changes. Here are 12 practical and eco-friendly ideas from Wasteless Pantry to inspire you to celebrate a zero waste Christmas without creating extra waste.

1. Skip the Gift Wrap
Instead of traditional wrapping paper, consider reusable options like fabric gift bags, pillowcases from op shops, or even children’s artwork. Furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in fabric, is another beautiful and waste-free option.

2. Repurpose Old Christmas Cards
Reuse last year’s Christmas cards as gift tags or create new cards from them. Better yet, send an e-card to reduce waste even further.

3. Use Reusables for Your Meals
Avoid disposable plates and cutlery by using cloth napkins, stainless steel straws, glass bottles, and metal utensils. Set up a washing station so guests can help with cleanup.

4. Secret Santa or Kris Kringle
Simplify gift-giving by opting for a Secret Santa. This reduces the number of gifts exchanged, allowing you to focus on more thoughtful, higher-quality presents.

5. Gift Your Time
Instead of a physical gift, give a voucher for your time. Whether it’s a day out or a homemade dinner, time spent together is the most valuable gift.

6. Be Mindful of Portions
Avoid food waste by preparing reasonable portions. Think about what fits on a plate, and resist over-catering to ensure that everyone enjoys the meal without excess.

7. Make Something Homemade
Create handmade gifts like baked goods, crafts, or artwork. If you’re stuck for ideas, try a gift jar with all the ingredients for a favorite recipe.

8. Reuse Decorations or Use Natural Materials
Reuse last year’s decorations or gather natural materials like pinecones, branches, and cinnamon sticks to create beautiful, eco-friendly holiday decor.

9. Share Leftovers
Ask guests to bring a reusable container so they can take home leftovers, reducing food waste and giving them an extra treat.

10. Buy Local and Seasonal Produce
Choose locally sourced, in-season fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood for your holiday feast. Support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.

11. Support Local Wineries and Breweries
When buying celebratory drinks, consider visiting local wineries, breweries, or distilleries. Some may even allow you to refill bottles or buy growlers.

12. Donate to Charity
Clear out unused items in good condition and donate them to local charity shops. It’s a great way to help others while decluttering your home.

Bonus Idea: Give the Gift of Experiences
Instead of material gifts, offer experiences like tickets to the zoo, the movies, or even a hot air balloon ride. These create lasting memories without adding clutter.


Zero Waste Lifestyle Store: An Alternative to Recycling

With all this talk about China’s National Sword program and the implications for recycling in Australia, we at Wasteless Pantry (your local zero waste lifestyle store) thought it would be a good time to have a chat about waste.

Recycling is a tool to help divert resources from landfill but it is not the best answer.  So recycle, but only those materials that you couldn’t avoid buying in the first place, couldn’t minimise the need for, couldn’t reuse or repair.

Never let perfection stop you from starting, any little improvement you make is still worth making.

Try out replacing a disposable with a reusable one from our zero waste lifestyle store (in Western Australia and online), rethink your purchases to minimise waste and learn what you can about how to lessen your impact whilst still enjoying life.

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Decluttering vs Wasting: A Balanced Approach to Letting Go

The allure of a clutter-free, organized home is strong for many. Clean surfaces, less stuff, and more free time make the idea of decluttering incredibly appealing. Yet, for those of us committed to living sustainably or budget-conscious, decluttering can feel like a personal conflict. The thought of contributing to landfill, throwing away money, or disconnecting from sentimental possessions can make decluttering a daunting task.

Many of us have been on and off the decluttering bandwagon for years, feeling guilty and overwhelmed at the thought of “wasting” our possessions. But is holding on to unused items really the answer? Let’s explore the balance between decluttering and wasting, and how we can move forward without punishing ourselves.

The Struggles of Decluttering: Waste, Budget, and Sentimentality

If you’re trying to live an environmentally conscious lifestyle, it’s common to feel conflicted about decluttering. Tossing things out feels like you’re contributing to waste, and yet, keeping those things around doesn’t serve you either. If you’re budget-conscious, you may see your possessions as investments, making it harder to let go. And for the sentimental types, there’s the emotional attachment to the gifts or purchases that once had meaning.

I’ve experienced all three of these struggles. I felt guilt and shame for acquiring things I didn’t truly need, and even worse, for hanging on to them long past their usefulness. The items cluttered my home, and as I moved them from room to room, I was constantly reminded of my regretful purchases.

A Shift in Mindset: Viewing Items Differently

Two key ideas helped me break free from the punishment of decluttering:

  1. Think of Stuff as Having Its Own Needs
    Every item in your home deserves to be used to its full potential. Ask yourself: Will I ever use this to its full value? If not, perhaps someone else will. Pass it on, donate it, or recycle it so it can have a new life.
  2. Consider the Hidden Waste of Holding Onto Things
    Holding on to unused items can create more waste than simply letting them go. Are they taking up space that could be better used? Are you wasting time, energy, and resources maintaining items that no longer serve you? Letting go can reduce hidden waste in your home and your life.

The Waste Hierarchy: A Practical Guide for Letting Go

Following the waste hierarchy has helped me balance decluttering with sustainability. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Refuse – Only bring things home if you truly need them.
  • Reduce – Keep only the minimum that serves your needs.
  • Reuse – Find new purposes for items or pass them on to others.
  • Recycle – Break items down into their core materials and give them a new life.
  • Rot – Compost items that can break down naturally and benefit your garden.

If something still needs to go to landfill after this process, don’t feel guilty. We’re all learning and growing, and it’s okay to forgive yourself and move forward.

Decluttering Is Not a Punishment

Remember, decluttering isn’t about punishment. It’s about creating space for the things that truly serve you and your life. Let go of the guilt, and give yourself permission to step into a more organized, sustainable, and peaceful future.


Going Zero Waste with a Naked Lunch Box

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris

The idea of a simple, intentional life appeals to many of us, a life that is hands-on, peaceful, and present. For me, this is what zero waste living is all about. It’s about returning to basics, where we have control over what we consume, reduce waste, and slow down. Going zero waste doesn’t mean making life harder for the sake of the environment—it means aligning your lifestyle with your values and creating more intentional habits.

One practical way to begin this shift is by adopting a “naked lunch box.” This simple change—packing lunches without disposable packaging—can make a significant impact on waste reduction and help introduce your family to zero waste living.

What is a Naked Lunch Box?

A “naked lunch box” is one that uses only reusable containers, eliminating the need for disposable packaging like plastic wrap or single-use sandwich bags. It’s a small, manageable shift, but it can have a huge impact. Consider this: each school-aged child who packs a disposable lunch creates about 30 kg of waste every year just from their lunch alone. Imagine the waste that can be avoided by opting for reusable containers!

When packing a naked lunch box, you aren’t just reducing waste—you’re also simplifying your routine. No more scrambling for disposable wraps, no more guilt about single-use plastics. Instead, you are packing your food with care and intention, reflecting a more thoughtful approach to both your meals and your impact on the environment.

Take Your Zero Waste Lunch to the Next Level

If you’ve already embraced the reusable lunch box lifestyle, consider taking it a step further by sourcing your ingredients without packaging. Here are some ways to do that:

  • Cloth Bags for Bread: Take a cloth bag to your local bakery and ask for unwrapped bread.
  • Bulk Food Shopping: Visit a bulk food store like Wasteless Pantry to buy your snacks, grains, and pantry staples in reusable containers.
  • Produce Bags: Use reusable mesh bags to buy your fruits and veggies, replacing single-use plastic produce bags.
  • Farmers Markets: Head to your local farmers market and bring your own box or tote to fill with fresh, unpackaged produce.

These small shifts can transform your shopping and meal prep into a more mindful practice, helping you reduce packaging waste while fostering a deeper connection to the food you feed yourself and your family.

Why Go Zero Waste?

Reducing waste is important not just for the environment, but for our daily lives. We’re all aware of the negative impact of plastic pollution—the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, wildlife harmed by ingesting plastics, and the destruction of forests for packaging materials. But instead of focusing on the depressing statistics, think about how you can integrate positive changes into your life.

A zero waste lifestyle brings simplicity, clarity, and control. By going back to basics, you reduce clutter, save time, and ultimately, create a healthier environment for you and your family.

At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection. It’s about making small, manageable changes—like adopting a naked lunch box—that help you align your lifestyle with your values.