There’s something deeply Aussie about cracking a cold beer, kicking back with mates and enjoying the simple pleasures, the salty air, the sound of laughter, the hum of a long afternoon. But once that last sip is gone, the story of your beer doesn’t have to end there. The can, the bottle, the carton, even the grain that helped brew it, can all go on to live another life.
That’s where National Recycling Week comes in. It’s a chance for all of us to pause and think about how the everyday choices we make can keep this sunburnt country thriving for the next generation.
For us at Stone & Wood, it’s more than a week on the calendar, it’s a reflection of what we’ve always stood for: loving our beer, loving our community, and doing our bit to leave the Earth in a better place than we found it.
What is National Recycling Week?
Started in 1996, National Recycling Week shines a light on how Aussies can reduce waste, reuse what we already have and rethink the way we consume. It’s about education, action and community spirit. It takes place every year in November, and in 2025 it runs from Monday 10 November to Sunday 16 November.
From the suburbs of Sydney to the laneways of Melbourne, and right up to our backyard in the Northern Rivers, it’s a time when schools, households, businesses and breweries all pull together with one simple goal: giving our resources another life.
Why is National Recycling Week Important in Australia?
We’re lucky to live in a place as wild and beautiful as Australia. The rolling hills of the hinterland, the coral seas of the north, the dusty trails inland, it’s all part of who we are. But every year, as a country, we produce millions of tonnes of waste. Much of it could be recycled, but too often it ends up in landfill or, worse still, in our waterways.
Recycling isn’t just about keeping rubbish out of the wrong places, it saves energy, protects natural resources and supports a circular economy that benefits everyone. And when you think about it, that’s the Aussie way: looking out for each other, sharing what we’ve got, and making sure the next mob can enjoy it too.
For us, brewing isn’t just about the beer in your hand, it’s about brewing in a way that respects the land it comes from.
How Stone & Wood Recycle at Our Breweries
Brewing beer comes with by-products, but at Stone & Wood we see those not as waste, but as opportunities. Across our breweries Australia wide, we’re finding new ways every day to close the loop.
In the Brewhouse
- Spent grain goes to farmers - Each year, thousands of tonnes of malted barley and wheat left over from brewing are collected by local farmers. What was once beer grain becomes feed for cattle, keeping nutrients cycling back into the land.
- Hops and yeast find new life - After brewing, our hops and yeast don’t get binned. Some are composted, others find their way into different industries where they’re put to good use.
- Smarter water use - Brewing takes water, but we’re careful with every drop. We capture and reuse water in cleaning and cooling processes, keeping our footprint lighter.
Packaging & Partnerships
- Recycling in action - Through our Green Can Project, we work with recycling groups to keep our packaging out of landfill and in circulation. Every can and carton has another round ahead of it.
- Reducing energy - From efficient machinery to better systems, we’re always tweaking how we brew to use less energy and produce less waste.
Community Impact
- Giving back through inGrained - Through container deposit schemes, our community has raised funds for local charities and grassroots projects, turning empties into something much bigger.
- Supporting locals - From farmers feeding their cattle with our spent grain to community recycling programs we back, it’s all part of the bigger picture: beer that feels good as well as tastes good.
Brewing with Australia in Mind
We brew right across Australia, and no matter where the beer’s made, the same care goes in. Sustainability isn’t something we do on the side, it’s stitched into the way we operate.
We’re exploring lighter packaging, new recycling partnerships and ways to make our systems even more efficient. Because as proud as we are of the strides we’ve made, we know there’s always more to do. For us, the future of beer is one where flavour and community go hand-in-hand with looking after the planet.
How You Can Help
Here’s the good news, it doesn’t take much to make a difference. Every beer drinker can play a part:
- Recycle right - Rinse your bottles and cans, flatten your cartons, and pop them in the right bin.
- Return & Earn - If you’re in a state with a container deposit scheme, cash in your empties and donate the refund to a cause you care about.
- Upcycle with a bit of flair - From beer-carton storage boxes to stubby vases, there are plenty of creative ways to give our packaging another life.
- Choose with intention - Supporting businesses that prioritise recycling and sustainability keeps the momentum going.
And if you’ve got a cracking upcycling hack, we’d love to see it, tag us on socials and share your creativity with the community.
A Toast to the Future
National Recycling Week is a reminder that no action is too small. From the brewery floor to your backyard bin, every can, bottle, grain and drop can have another chapter.
So, next time you’re sipping a Stone & Wood, know that you’re not just enjoying a beer, you’re part of a bigger story. One that’s about community, care and leaving the Earth in a better place than we found it.
And that’s something worth raising a can to!
Circularity: Stone & Wood & Friends Celebrate National Recycling Week ♻️
This National Recycling Week, we’re turning our Byron Bay Tasting Room into a little hub of good ideas and good vibes. Circularity is all about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the circular economy, think film, live music, local eats and hands-on workshops with some of our favourite community mates.
We’re kicking things off on Thursday 13 November with a screening of Future Council by Damon Gameau, followed by a fireside chat with local changemakers who are sparking positive change in our backyard.
Then on Friday 14 November, we’re diving into an Afternoon of Circularity, upcycling and repair sessions with legends like Fallen Broken Street, Atmosea, Patagonia, and RecycleSmart, plus a recycling drive, live tunes, and bites from our friends at @100miletables.
It’s all about connecting, creating, and celebrating the small actions that add up to big impact. Come down, get inspired, and share a beer with us.
Cheers to doing good together! 🍻
