Zero Waste
Join the Zero Waste Revolution at Grey Lynn Farmers Market: Less Waste, More Impact.
What is Zero Waste?
Zero waste is a sustainable philosophy centered on waste prevention, aimed at designing resource cycles that prioritize reuse. The ultimate goal is to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills, incinerators, and oceans, by creating a closed-loop system where resources are continuously cycled and adding value at each stage.
Inspired by nature's self-sustaining cycle, zero waste operates on the principle that what is surplus to one system becomes food or fuel for another. This approach seeks to eliminate waste, not just manage it. By continually improving the management of material flows, the Grey Lynn Farmers Market aims to create a waste-free environment where materials used at the market have ongoing use and value.
A "zero waste market" is not just a market where there is no visible waste, but one that operates according to the zero waste philosophy. This approach has far-reaching effects, including the selection of stallholders, procurement of materials, education and communication, and waste collection and processing. The Grey Lynn Farmers Market is committed to a zero waste future, striving to make every aspect of the market's operations more sustainable.
Reduce Waste with the Re-Use Table!
Join us in our efforts to reduce waste by participating in our re-use table initiative. Our aim is to keep valuable items out of the landfill and make them available for others to re-use. You'll find the re-use table located next to the Waste Away stand and it's a great place to bring or take away items like:
Clean glass jars and lids
Egg cartons
By participating in this program, you're not only reducing waste but also helping to create a more sustainable community. So, next time you're at the market, stop by the re-use table and see if there's anything you can reuse!
Join the Fight Against Waste with Project Uplift!
The Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away group is dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and beyond. That's why we're proud to support Project Uplift and their mission to collect old bras for women in the Pacific. You'll find our bright pink wheelie bin at the Reuse Depot at the market, ready and waiting for your used bras.
Keep Batteries Out of Landfills with Our Battery Collection!
Batteries can be incredibly harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. That's why we've set up a battery collection box at the Waste Away stand to keep toxic waste out of our landfills. A small donation is appreciated to help cover the cost of disposal, but it's not required. Be a part of the solution and bring your used batteries to the market!
Reduce Your Waste Footprint with Compostable Waste at the Market!
We're proud to announce that most of the waste generated at the market is compostable! That's right, by properly disposing of your compostable waste in our big green bin, you're supporting a valuable resource that helps to enrich the soil and sustain our local food production.
What Can You Compost?
Fruits & vegetables
Plants & flowers
Approved compostable packaging (e.g. PLA)
Meat, fish & dairy
Shells & bones
Eggshells, nutshells (and their paper cartons)
Pasta & rice
Breads & grains
Teabags, coffee grinds & filters
Paper bags, towels & newspapers
Uncoated paper plates & napkins
Please Avoid:
Nappies and doggie doo
Polystyrene or plastic wrap
Plastic wrap
Condiment packaging
Boxes or cartons
Plastic food containers
Bottles or jars
Aluminium or metal cans
To minimize our impact on the environment, we also provide small recycling and landfill bins. However, please note that we don't have our own recycling and landfill bins, so we kindly ask that you take your non-compostable waste with you.
At the end of the market, we check the big green bin to ensure that only compostable waste is being disposed of properly. Join us in our efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment by properly disposing of your compostable waste at the market.