Parkes Shire Council and Planet Ark are encouraging Shire residents to discover new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle as National Recycling Week celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
This year's campaign asks Australians to join the cycle by improving their recycling knowledge and building better recycling habits, while also taking steps to reduce consumption and reuse what they already have.
"National Recycling Week is a great opportunity for our community to build on the recycling habits we already have and learn a few new ones. Whether it's checking what belongs in your recycling bin, finding a local drop-off point or giving an item a second life, small actions can help keep valuable resources in use for longer," said Sharyn Ware, Waste Management Coordinator, Parkes Shire Council.
The Garage Sale Trail held on 7/8 and 14/15 November is a positive step in reuse efforts, with 21 sales registered in our Shire.
As part of this year's celebrations, Parkes Shire Council via our partner educator, Envirocom, has organised the following campaigns:
- FOGO and recycling bin inspections at Parkes and Bogan Gateto provide a guide as to further education requirements. On site information will also be provided
- Beeswax Wrap Workshopat Bogan Gate Hall to reduce soft plastic use (free/requires registration)
- Envirocom Education Sessionsat Parkes Public School, Holy Family Primary School
- Envirocom Education Sessionsat Peak Hill Early Learning Centre
The Return and Earn Bin Basket Program will also be initiated during National Recycling Week. Benefitting from a successful EPA Grant, bin baskets will be added to existing public bins in the CBD and major parks at Parkes and Peak Hill, and are a visual clue to give containers a second life. These baskets work by providing a place for people to leave their used eligible drink container and allowing another resident to collect and take to a local return and earn point for the 10c refund without needing to rummage through the bin itself. This will have the added advantage of reducing litter in our public spaces and reducing waste to landfill. A photo is provided to highlight their ease of use.
Running from 9-15 November, National Recycling Week provides an opportunity for residents and workplaces to learn simple, practical ways to cut waste, recycle right and help valuable materials stay in use for longer.
Planet Ark CEO Adam Culley said it's vital that Australians take the opportunity to ensure they are recycling correctly this National Recycling Week.
"Thirty years ago, recycling looked very different. It's encouraging to see that Australians recognise how much easier it has become, but we can't assume that means everyone knows what belongs in their recycling bin."
National Recycling Week, founded by Planet Ark in 1996, helps Australians take waste reduction into their own hands by improving recycling knowledge and habits. Since its inception, Australia's national recycling rate has increased from just 7 per cent to more than 60 per cent.
