Case studies – Reuse pilot projects

Last updated: 4 March 2024
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Sustainability Victoria funded Reuse Pilot projects through the government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: a new economy. These reuse pilots trial and demonstrate different reuse models in various settings, such as replacing single-use items with reusable items or trialing a return system such as Returnr or a container library system. 

These case studies show what is feasible in the hospitality sector in Victoria. 

Untwine supports reusable packaging with digital product label
The pilot resulted in more than 1,500 product scans
Free to Feed implements a circular catering solution to reduce 2 common waste types
The round and round table pilot diverted 830 single-use items from landfill.
Cercle Melbourne reduces disposable coffee cup waste from Olderfleet building retailers
At the end of the pilot more than 10,000 single-use coffee cups (123 kg) were diverted from landfill.
The Cube Wodonga implemented a reuse system for cups and glasses
Over a period of 15 weeks from March to June 2023, 5,839 single-use items were saved from landfill.
Village Zero Sandringham developed a program to end single-use packaging
During the 12-week pilot, 2,154 single-use plastic items were saved from landfill.
Investa applied the Returnr Reuse system
At the end of January 2023, 15,307 single use cups and 19,491 single use containers have been avoided.
Monash applied Towards Zero Waste strategy
In the 9-week pilot period between 27 February and 28 April, Monash University washed more than 22,000 pieces of reusable plates and cutlery.
La Trobe University launched the Reusable Revolution
More than 320 loads of dishes and over 4,400 pieces of crockery were washed at the Dishwash Hub.
HuskeeSwap expands to events and education
14,000 single-use plastic items (90 kg) have been avoided from going to landfill across 3 months.
Billy van Creamy introduced reusable ice cream containers
The use of single-use take-home ice cream containers across the 2 stores was reduced by 8%.