Byron Farmers Market kicking goals in the Move to Reuse
The Byron Farmers Market's early adoption of Council's Move to Reuse initiative and mobile dishwashing trailer has delivered outstanding results, with an estimated 100,000 reusable dishes washed over the past 12 months, and landfill waste reduced from eight red wheelie bins per week to just half a bin.
"Reducing waste from eight bins a week to just half a bin at a regular event of this size is a remarkable achievement," Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.
"I know doing things differently can be difficult, so I congratulate the Byron Farmers Market organisers, stallholders and marketgoers for embracing Council's vision to reduce single-use waste. This proves that a more sustainable approach is not only possible, but it can also be highly successful."
The Byron Farmers Market is one of several local markets leading the move away from disposable food packaging. The Bangalow, Mullumbimby and New Brighton Farmers Markets have also established on-site washing systems that significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Larger Community Markets in Byron, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads are also diverting up to 10,000 items a month from landfill by participating in a reuse system.
"We know that single-use food and beverage packaging has a terrible impact on our environment, and I want to thank all the event and market organisers who have embraced change and committed to finding better solutions," Mayor Ndiaye said.
"Our community and visitors expect sustainable options - and we want them to! People are happy to bring their own cup or return reusable items when systems are in place."
Mayor Ndiaye said Council's commitment to reducing waste was driven by evidence showing the devastating environmental impact of single-use packaging.
"When Council identified that single-use takeaway packaging accounted for around 40 per cent of litter found across the Byron Shire and 50 per cent of the waste in public bins, it was clear that action was needed," she said.
"I've seen firsthand when I've participated in beach and river clean ups that these items can end up in our waterways. The damage just one item can do to our marine life is shocking," said Mayor Ndiaye.
In 2024, Byron Shire Council became the first council in Australia to phase out single-use food and beverage packaging at events held on Council-managed land.
Since then, Council has worked closely with Eco-Trilogy and its mobile dishwashing trailer to help event organisers eliminate single-use items and reduce landfill waste.
"Earlier this year, Council strengthened that commitment by investing in its own mobile dishwashing trailer, with funding support from the NSW EPA. The trailer, stocked with reusable bowls, plates, cups and an industrial-strength dishwasher, makes it even easier for local events to adopt reusable service ware, reduce their environmental footprint and create jobs in a circular economy."
Council's mobile dishwashing trailer is available to support event organisers across the Byron Shire. The initiative has also been named a finalist in the Outstanding WARR Project: Regional category at the 2026 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards. The awards will be held in late October.
