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Volunteer Community Days

National Volunteer Week 2025

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Volunteer Sorting Lids

Connecting Communities Through Plastic Lid Sorting

Drop Off Your Lids – and Stay to Help Us Sort!

This National Volunteer Week, we’re embracing the theme “Connecting Communities” by doing what we do best at Rethink Recycling: bringing people together to create real change – one plastic lid at a time.

Thanks to generous grant funding from the City of Greater Dandenong, we’re excited to host Community Days every Tuesday and Thursday throughout May and June at our Springvale MakerSpace. Local residents are invited to drop in, drop off their lids, and – if time allows – stay to lend a hand.


Community Day Details

📅 When: Tuesdays & Thursdays in May and June

Time: 11am – 2pm

📍 Where: RRC MakerSpace, Springvale


What to Expect

Have a stash of plastic lids at home? Bring them along! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how we sort, wash and process lids for remanufacture into useful products. Better yet, you can roll up your sleeves and help – it’s a hands-on, rewarding way to support the circular economy and reduce landfill waste.

So far this year, we’ve collected more than 100,000 plastic lids – and we rely on the energy and dedication of our incredible volunteers to keep the process going.


Why It Matters

This project, proudly supported by Greater Dandenong City Council, aims to:

  • Provide inclusive, hands-on volunteering opportunities
  • Educate the community about sustainability

  • Reduce plastic waste going to landfill

  • Help us build a permanent Community Lid Sorting Hub in Springvale


Celebrating Our Volunteers

From website design, marketing, and social media to writing education programs, running events, and (of course) sorting and washing lids – our volunteers are at the heart of Rethink Recycling.

We simply couldn’t do it without them.

This National Volunteer Week, we honour their incredible contributions and invite you to be part of the impact. Whether you drop off lids, stay to sort, or just come by to learn – every action counts.


Get Involved

Join us, meet like-minded people, and help us create a cleaner, more connected community. Together, we’re proving that small actions – and plastic lids – can lead to big change. 💚♻️

Date

Tuesday & Thursday

May & June

Time

11am-2pm

Location

RRC MakerSpace, Springvale

Community Day

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Join Us for our April 2025 Community Day!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 5 April. Come join us for a fun and educational Community Day at Rethink Recycling!

We’ll kick off the day with some hands-on activities, including lid sorting, and making decorations at RUSTIE. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch together.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the circular economy, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a sustainable future.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Date

5 April 2025

Time

11am-2pm

Location

RRC MakerSpace, Springvale

Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival

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Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival

Join us at the Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival for an exciting day of hands-on activities and inspiration around sustainable living! We’re thrilled to bring RUSTIE, our solar-powered mobile recycling education trailer, to the festival. RUSTIE showcases innovative solutions for waste reduction, recycling, and the circular economy, making learning about sustainability fun and interactive for all ages.

Stop by our stall to:
• Explore RUSTIE: See how everyday plastics can be transformed into functional items through our micro-recycling machines.
• Learn About the Circular Economy: Discover how small changes in our choices can lead to a big environmental impact.
• Ask Your Recycling Questions: We’ll help you sort out what goes where and how to recycle right.
• Get Hands-On: Join us in creating something useful out of recycled materials and experience the power of rethinking waste.

This festival is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded community members and experts, including our passionate team at Rethink Recycling. Together, we can take action towards a more sustainable future.

For move information on the event, visit the Boroondara Sustainable Living Festival.

Come visit RRC to see the RUSTIE in action.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🌱♻️

Date

15 March 2025

Time

8am – 12.30pm

Location

Boroondara Farmers Market carpark

Knox Fest

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Knox Fest

Knox Fest

Knox Fest celebrates the “Vibrant Community” theme with live music and performances, amusements, food trucks, community stalls, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

This all-ages, family-friendly event is free from alcohol, smoking, vaping, drugs, and pets.

For move information on the event, visit the KnoxFest Website.

Come visit RRC to see the RUSTIE in action.

Date

1 March 2025

Time

10am – 4pm

Location

Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully

Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival

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Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival

Get ready for a fantastic day of learning, inspiration, and action at this free, family-friendly festival dedicated to protecting our planet. Packed with engaging activities, giveaways, and experts ready to answer your questions, this event is perfect for anyone curious about how to live more sustainably.

What’s On?

Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

Learn how to create habitat for native animals in your own backyard.

Discover tips for growing your own food, even in small spaces or on a tight budget.

Get creative with DIY natural beauty and skincare ideas.

Master the art of recycling and waste reduction.

Explore opportunities to volunteer for environmental causes, meet local eco-conscious businesses, and so much more!

Spotlight on RUSTIE

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to visit our Rethink Recycling Co-op stall and meet RUSTIE, our solar-powered education trailer.

Explore Micro-Recycling: Watch in action as everyday plastics are transformed into functional items using RUSTIE’s micro-machines.

Learn About the Circular Economy: Discover how small changes in your choices can make a big impact on the planet.

Get Your Questions Answered: Not sure what goes in the recycling bin? Our team will help you sort it all out!

Get Hands-On: Participate in fun, creative activities that let you reimagine waste into something useful.

Connect and Take Action

This festival is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, passionate community members, and local sustainability experts. Together, we can take meaningful steps towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Mark your calendar and bring the whole family! Let’s celebrate, learn, and take action to protect the planet we call home.

For move information on the event, visit the Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival website.

Date

23 February 2025

Time

10am – 3pm

Location

Dandenong Market

Community Day

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Join Us for our First Community Day of 2025!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 8 February. Come join us for a fun and educational Community Day at Rethink Recycling!

We’ll kick off the day with some hands-on activities, including lid sorting, and making decorations at RUSTIE. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch together.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the circular economy, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a sustainable future.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Date

8 February 2025

Time

11am-2pm

Location

RRC MakerSpace, Springvale

Datta Vic Conference

DATTA Vic Conference – Movers & Makers

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DATTA logo

DATTA Victoria Conference

Join us at the DATTA Victoria Conference 2024 – Movers & Makers. Rethink Recycling will be showcasing our Regenerative Upcycling Solar-powered Trailer (with) Interactive Education – RUSTIE! Which includes our hand-operated machines at the captivating trade exhibition. Come and experience the future of recycling firsthand!

MOVERS & MAKERS will celebrate the unique opportunities that Design & Technologies education offers to engage young people in meaningful making with both traditional and emerging technologies. At the same time, our students develop the creative thinking skills and entrepreneurial approaches that are essential for a successful future.

For move information on the event, visit the DATTA Victoria Conference website here.

Information about Rethink Recycling’s exhibition

Rethink Recycling Co-op (RRC) stands at the forefront of a greener future, driven by their passion for sustainability and social responsibility. Together, they endeavour to reshape perceptions about recycling. Making a positive impact on the planet, and nurturing the prosperity of every member of their diverse community. They’re a not-for-profit driving the development of waste plastic remanufacturing and inspiring change through community education.

Join Rethink Recycle to experience the school incursions and workshops they deliver with schools. With programs designed for students in primary to senior school, there is information for all teachers. Bring your plastic milk bottle lids and see them upcycled into new products!

Come and visit RRC at their stand to see the machines in action. And attend our workshop being help at RUSTIE from 12pm-1pm.

Date

6 December 2024

Time

8am – 1pm

Location

Northern College of the Arts & Technology (NCAT)

EnviroFest

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Whittlesea’s EnviroFest

The City of Whittlesea’s free EnviroFest, alongside the Circular Fashion Market, is an event not to be missed! EnviroFest features interactive nature-based activities and science experiments to captivate young minds, making it perfect for all ages. Visitors can engage in hands-on crafts with Eco Explorers, enjoy a live butterfly display, and watch a wildlife show by Animals of Oz, among other activities. Attendees can also browse various stalls to learn about environmental protection and the small steps everyone can take to make a difference.

Right next door, the Circular Fashion Market will offer 40 unique stalls filled with pre-loved fashion items, giving shoppers the chance to find affordable, stylish clothing while supporting sustainable fashion. For refreshments, toasties, Scouts BBQ, and coffee will be available for purchase.

For move information on the event, visit the Whittlesea EnviroFest website.

Come visit RRC to see the RUSTIE in action.

Date

30 November 2024

Time

12pm – 4pm

Location

180W Painted Hills Road, Doreen

SelbyFest

SelbyFest

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SelbyFest

SelbyFest

🌟 Join Us at Selbyfest! 🌟

Selbyfest is a *free, family-friendly community festival* dedicated to strengthening our community’s identity, social connections, and wellbeing. It’s a day to celebrate local talents in music and the arts, with opportunities to perform and showcase your work!

Selbyfest is committed to inclusivity, with additional transport options to ensure accessibility for all. Enjoy a day filled with activities, healthy food choices, and a focus on environmental sustainability.

Come be a part of this vibrant community event and help make a positive impact!

For move information on the event, visit the SelbyFest website.

Come visit RRC to see the RUSTIE in action.

Date

23 November 2024

Time

2pm – 5pm

Location

Selby Community House

Spring Festival

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Whitehorse’s Spring Festival

Whitehorse’s Spring Festival invites everyone to embrace their inner superhero on Sunday, 17 November. This year’s 2024 festival, themed around Superheroes, promises a full day of activities and entertainment. Attendees can look forward to meeting popular superheroes and local legends, participating in free craft activities, enjoying thrilling rides, and experiencing fabulous face painting for kids of all ages.

Designed to delight all ages, the festival features:

• Community stalls and performances
• Tours of The Round and Butterfly House
• Face painting and arts & crafts
• Reptile Encounters and a youth area
• Eco Hub, Morphology, and Dreaming Space Circus
• Amusement rides and Fly Factory Trapeze

This year, the festival also highlights Whitehorse’s local heroes. With over 80 diverse stalls and live music from more than 40 local artists and community groups across multiple stages, there’s something for everyone.

For move information on the event, visit the Whitehorse Spring Festival website.

Come visit RRC to see the RUSTIE in action.

Date

17 November 2024

Time

10am – 4pm

Location

Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct, Nunawading