Caring for Creation: Three simple recycling options for churches

As people of faith, we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation. Recycling is a simple yet powerful way we can live out this calling. Every item we reuse or recycle, we reduce waste, conserve resources, and help protect the earth for future generations. But recycling isn’t just about tossing things in the right bin – it’s about making thoughtful choices.

Here are three common items in our church life and the best ways to recycle them:

1. Disposable Communion Cups

Best practice:

• Ideally these would be phased out of use – check the Caring for Creation through Communion Guide on the hub for more environmentally friendly Communion options.
• When the use of these can’t be avoided, collect them and recycle these through ReSmart – for a small fee they will collect them right from your doorstep!

• Note the single use plastic juice cups are often recyclable if they are clean and made from PET or polypropylene plastic (check the recycling symbol on the cup and if it’s accepted in your recycling bin).

2. Disposable Coffee Cups

Coffee cups can be tricky because most have a plastic lining that makes them unsuitable for regular paper recycling.

Best practice:

• These can be recycled through Aussie company Simply Cups
  • Either take them to a participating 7-Eleven or
  • For congregations with cafes or high use of disposable cups – consider investing in a Simply Cups collection tube that will be picked up for you.
• Better yet, encourage reusable mugs at church gatherings to avoid creating this waste in the first place!

3. Organic Food Waste

Coffee grinds, fruit and vegetable scraps from morning tea should be returned to the soil, rather than being sent to landfill.

Best practice:

• Set up a compost bin or worm farm at church.
• Partner with local community gardens to donate food scraps.
• For congregations with high amounts organic waste, partner with local food waste collection social enterprises like – Mallow Sustainability in Brisbane.
• If available, order and use council green waste bins for organics.

Your actions make a difference. Let’s make National Recycling Week a time of commitment and action! Would love to hear about any changes you make. And please reach out to sustainability@ucaqld.com.au at any time for support.