How these 5 buildings are tackling the OC waste challenge

Managing waste in a multi-unit dwelling is an ongoing challenge. Between lack of space, waste stream contamination, resident apathy or confusion and budget constraints, achieving positive waste outcomes can feel impossible.

Thankfully, with an engaged Committee and the support of the right experts, Owners Corporations can make a real impact – reducing both the amount of waste sent to landfill and in turn, their waste collection expenses.


This is the type of work The Knight’s Sustainability Grants are designed to support, providing funding to Owners Corporations to explore & implement sustainability initiatives.

Learn more about our Owners Corporation Grants >

Thank you to all applicants for this year’s Owners Corporation Grants and congratulations to this year’s recipients.

Read on to learn more about how these OCs, in partnership with Reground, have explored the waste reality at their building and taken innovative steps to improve waste outcomes.

·         250E, Melbourne – Visual Waste Audit

·         Atria, Hawthorn – Educational Videos

·         Wurru Wurru Biik,Brunswick – Waste Contractor Review

·         115 Beach Street, Port Melbourne – Soft Plastics Collections

·         The Fawkner Residences, Melbourne – Hard Waste Swap & Engagement Stall

Visual Waste Audit

250E, Melbourne

Reground conducted an in-depth audit of 3 waste streams, General Waste, Mixed Recycling and e-Waste.

For each stream, the analysis considered material composition, contamination trends, and opportunities for improved resource recovery.

Some of the findings included:

·         75% of contents in the general waste bin could have been recycled via alternate waste streams available on site (e.g. food waste, paper & cardboard)

·         30% of the mixed recycling bin contents was contaminants (e.g. bagged materials, soft plastics or unopened food)

·         25% of the contents of the e-Waste bin was contaminants including cardboard and textiles


Breakdown of the materials found in general waste


Reground at work undertaking the audit

Reground provided a thorough report of their recommendations including improved signage, awareness raising and implementing additional waste streams.

We are excited to support this Owners Corporation on their waste journey as they consider these recommendations and other future actions to reduce contamination and reliance on landfill. Read more…

Location: Australia

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