National Recycling Week at YHA

Next week is National Recycling Week, and as a for-purpose organisation with an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, YHA is taking the time to raise awareness and reflect on the importance of recycling to our environment.

Taking place from 11-17 November, National Recycling Week aims to educate and inspire communities, businesses and people across the country to embrace recycling as a vital part of sustainable living. 

Recycling is more than just a responsible practice; it’s an essential component of waste management and environmental conservation. Recycling materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal significantly reduces landfill waste, helps conserves natural resources, and contributes to reductions in pollution.  National Recycling Week serves as a crucial reminder that our actions as individuals and organisations can lead to positive outcomes for our planet. 

What we do at YHA  

At YHA, we utilise a centralised Waste Management Plan as part of our target of zero waste by 2030, in part funded by our Sustainable Properties Fund¹. Various initiatives have been rolled out to YHAs across our network, including: 

• Dual bins in every room for recycling and other waste 

• Swap shelves for guests to donate unwanted items 

• Chilled water fountains for guests to refill reusable water bottles

• A ban on single-use plastic water bottles sold at properties – resulting in, an estimated 40,000 plastic water bottles removed from circulation and saving 80kg of non-recyclable waste and 240kg of CO2 emissions annually

• Biodegradable cleaning products for all housekeeping and maintenance staff 

We’re also making it a priority throughout National Recycling Week to educate and inform our Team Members on our waste management goals as an organisation.

How you can get involved 

Participating in National Recycling Week is easy and impactful. Here are some ways you can get involved: 

• Get involved in events during your stay at YHA: YHA properties across the country will be hosting clean up and recycling events with staff and guests, like Sydney Harbour and Sydney Central’s Bondi to Coogee clean-up walk (contact reception to get involved).  

• Educate yourself and others: Take time to learn about your local recycling providers and share this knowledge with friends and family. 

• Declutter and donate: Use this week as an opportunity to declutter your home. Donate items that are in good condition instead of throwing them away, and ensure recyclable materials are properly sorted. 
• Community: Have a look around your local community and see what is available to you. Visit Planet Ark to find out what's on near you.  

Find out more about YHA Australia and sustainability.

¹In October 2024, the YHA Sustainable Properties Fund won the Global Youth Travel Awards “Best Responsible Tourism Initiative" award.