ReThink Waste at the Library: Free workshops across Tasmania
News and Events / News
ReThink Waste Tasmania has partnered with Libraries Tasmania to bring waste education directly into communities across the state. Starting this December, we’re delivering a free 4-part workshop series designed to empower Tasmanians with practical skills to avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
These hands-on sessions will run monthly through to March 2026, visiting nine library locations: Hobart, Rosny, Huonville, Sorell, Launceston, George Town, Scottsdale, Burnie, and Devonport.
The Workshop Series
December: ReThink Your Christmas Waste
Australians use more than 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper every year! That’s almost enough to wrap around Earth four times! This festive season, learn furoshiki, the elegant Japanese art of wrapping presents in fabric. We’ll also cover creative gift tags and card ideas to help you celebrate sustainably.
Workshop dates:
- Launceston: Friday, 6th December, 10:00 AM
- Scottsdale: Wednesday, 10th December, 10:00 AM
- George Town: Thursday, 11th December, 10:00 AM
- Rosny: Wednesday, 17th December, 9:30 AM
- Hobart: Wednesday, 17th December, 11:30 AM
- Huonville: Wednesday, 17th December, 2:30 PM
January: ReThink Kids Crafts
In Australia, 145,000 tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the environment every year. Give waste a second life by joining us for a summer holiday kids’ craft session where we’ll weave baskets from soft plastic bags. Children under 9 will benefit from adult assistance.
Workshop dates:
- Sorell: Thursday, 15th January, 10:30AM
- Scottsdale: Wednesday, 21st January, 10:00 AM
- George Town: Thursday, 22nd January, 10:00 AM
- Rosny: Thursday, 22nd January, 9:30 AM
- Hobart: Thursday, 22nd January, 11:30 AM
- Huonville: Thursday, 22nd January, 2:30 PM
- Launceston: Friday, 23rd January, 10:00 AM
February: Be A Good Sort
Recycling is our last chance to save resources from landfill. Are you a super source separator or a wishcycler? Test your knowledge and learn how to properly sort materials so they can be recovered and reused. This workshop demystifies the recycling process and covers everything from household recycling to hard-to-recycle items like batteries and e-waste.
Workshop dates:
- Scottsdale: Wednesday, 11th February, 10:00 AM
- George Town: Thursday, 12th February, 10:00 AM
- Launceston: Friday, 13th February, 10:00 AM
- Rosny: Friday, 20th February, 9:30 AM
- Hobart: Friday, 20th February, 11:30 AM
- Huonville: Friday, 20th February, 2:30 PM
- Burnie: TBC
- Devonport: TBC
March: ReThink Waste in the Kitchen
The average Australian throws out $3,800 worth of food every year, much of which is still perfectly edible. Learn how to reduce food waste, make the most of your meals, and turn food scraps into powerful nutrients for your garden. We’ll also create a collaborative zero-waste recipe book and explore composting options suited to different living situations.
Workshop dates:
- Scottsdale: Wednesday, 11th March, 10:00 AM
- George Town: Thursday, 12th March, 10:00 AM
- Launceston: Friday, 13th March, 10:00 AM
- Rosny: Thursday, 19th March, 9:30 AM
- Hobart: Thursday, 19th March, 11:30 AM
- Huonville: Thursday, 19th March, 2:30 PM
- Burnie: TBC
- Devonport: TBC
How to register
All workshops are completely free with a capacity of 20 participants per session. Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot.
Book your free ticket: Register on Eventbrite
Why libraries?
Public spaces like libraries are vital community hubs where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn. By bringing waste education into these welcoming environments, we’re making sustainability accessible to everyone whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone simply wanting to make a positive environmental impact.
How will these workshops help reduce waste?
At ReThink Waste, we believe education is the key to driving lasting behaviour change. These workshops are part of our broader mission to empower Tasmanians with the knowledge and skills to create a more circular economy, one where resources are valued, waste is minimised, and our communities thrive.
Whether you’re taking your first steps toward waste reduction or you’re already a sustainability champion, there’s something for everyone in this series. We look forward to learning together and building a cleaner, greener Tasmania.