Zero Waste Festival 2024

Dive into sustainable living at the Zero Waste Festival with our program jam packed with fun, inspiration and action for a greener future. Discover practical zero waste options, including innovative new ideas and the revival of older practices like repair and mending, all contributing to a revolution in sustainable living.

Speaker Program overview

10:00 am: Urban Evolution: Designing a Zero Waste Future

11:15 am: From Personal Practice to Policy: Sustainability Leaders in Action

12:30 pm: Breaking Down Waste: The New Frontier in Recycling

1:45 pm: Fashionable Innovations turning: Trash into Trendsetting

3.00 pm: From Plate to Policy: Tackling Food Waste Solutions plus Live cooking Demo

4:30pm:  Eco-Networking Forum: Turning Ideas into Impact

You can find out more details in the program here

Zero Waste Exhibitors and Information Stalls: 

Explore a world of sustainable solutions with our diverse lineup of Zero Waste exhibitors. From innovative products like beeswax wraps and eco-friendly cleaning supplies to cutting-edge recycling solutions and even eco burials—there’s something for everyone on their zero waste journey. Whether you’re curious about apps to reduce waste or excited to discover innovations like stickerless produce and blister pack recycling, our exhibitors have it all. Check out the full list of exhibitors here

Zero Waste Festival Activities 

Clothes Swap

Update your wardrobe and swap clothes, shoes and accessories. Bring up to six items to swap. This event is suitable for adults of any gender, age and size.

Drop off from 10-11am

Swap starts at 12pm

Please note: Items should be clean, free from faults, and of good quality with a long potential lifespan. No pyjamas, activewear or underwear.

*You must register to participate in this activity.

Book Swap

Anyone can give or take a book! Bring up to two books to swap. No extras! Please bring books other people are likely to want – so no dirty or damaged books, textbooks, encyclopedias, etc. Children’s books are welcome. 

Repair Café & Mending Circle

Skilled volunteers are here to help you repair clothes, toys, bikes, small electronics, and more. Come along to our mending circle and learn how easy mending is to do yourself.  Menders will be there repairing their items to show you how to make simple repairs. Bring anything that needs a stitch such as clothing, textiles or toys and learn how to mend them. . 

*You must register to participate in this activity.

Recycling Centre 

Many items are recyclable, as long as they are collected and processed separately. Recycle your hard-to-recycle items with our dedicated Recycling Centre.

See our extended recycling options here 

Zero Waste Hands on Fun

Kids or adults alike can get crafty and innovative  

• DIY produce bags to reduce unnecessary plastic waste with fruit and veggie
• Make Functional fridge magnets out of recycled materials
• Join our Zero Waste Treasure hunt to win some low-waste prizes

4 pm Mini Spring Clean the City

Once the exhibitors pack up, team up with fellow eco-warriors with Beach Patrol to collect, sort, and document litter along the riverbank. Not only will you help beautify our city, but you’ll also contribute to a powerful cause.

 4.30pm Eco-Networking Forum Turning Ideas into Impact

Zero Waste Victoria is thrilled to partner with four industry experts to support community projects and campaigns. Our goal is to provide invaluable professional advice while connecting passionate individuals with initiatives that match their values.

This two-tiered approach offers both expert guidance and eco-matching: individuals can discover projects and organizations they may wish to join or learn more about, while organizations receive expert tips to launch, or elevate their projects.

We’re dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where ideas turn into actions, and to amplifying meaningful impact. Join us to turn your vision into action and be part of a vibrant, change-making community!

Got a Community Project or Campaign and want FREE expert advice?

Prepare Your Submission: Clearly outline your project, campaign or questions. Be concise and specific to help the panel understand your needs, and email to events@zerowastevictoria.org.au. Remember to include your organization’s details. 250-500 words max

Join a room filled with changemakers, motivated to make a difference for our planet. A line up of experts ready to answer questions and brainstorm ideas to help you champion your cause. You can share your idea or be part of the audience to be inspired.

Find out more here and be sure to register if you have a project you want to elevate

For more information on how to get there, our program, stallholders, and activities, check out: zerowastevictoria.org.au/zero-waste-festival-2024

Admission to the Festival is free.

Any donations received will support Zero Waste Victoria's efforts to amplify the community voice and connect people, inspiring and empowering them to achieve their zero waste goals. You can find out more about Zero Waste Victoria’s initiatives here

Zero Waste Festival 2024 is proud to be a zero waste event.

To keep the festival zero waste, we encourage you to bring along a reusable plate, cutlery and a cup from home. Vendors will also be supplied with reusable plates and cutlery to help us avoid single-use waste. If you bring any waste to the event, we kindly ask you to take it home with you. Thank you for your cooperation!

Zero Waste Victoria acknowledges that we gather on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation, along the banks of the Birrarung/Yarra River, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

The Zero Waste Festival is a FREE public event brought to you by Zero Waste Victoria. Proudly supported by Venue Partner Fed Square and Principal Event Partner The City of Melbourne.

EVENT PARTNERS