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Q&A With Eugenie Alonzo | RecycleSmart

This year will be joined by RecycleSmart at our Byron Bay Brewery for National Recycling Week. We caught up with Eugenie Alonzo from RecycleSmart ahead of the event to get a better understanding of their work, our current recycling situation, and how to best use their services.

We are delighted to have you join us at the Byron Bay brewery during National Recycling Week.

For those who are new to RecycleSmart, can you briefly describe what RecycleSmart is, how it started and what your mission is?


It all started with our co-founders, Marco and Giorgio, who couldn’t quite wrap their heads around the idea of burying things that could be reused or recycled. They began collecting clothes on their Vespa from friends and dropping them off at charity shops, and that small idea grew into RecycleSmart.

We’re a Sydney-based scale-up on a mission to make it easy for people, councils, and businesses to keep unwanted items in use and out of landfill. Through our Pickup service, powered by smart technology and full traceability, we help Australians recycle the things that can’t go in their kerbside bins: from clothes to e-waste and beyond (soft plastics, batteries, beer bottles, you name it!) Our vision is simple: a world where nothing is wasted because every unwanted item gets a second life.

Can you describe how scheduling a pickup works and what happens with peoples items from there?

Scheduling a pickup with RecycleSmart is super easy: it only takes a few clicks. You can book through our app or on our website: just choose your Pickup size (and if you’re not sure, you can snap a photo and our RecycleSmart AI will suggest the right size for you), pick a date, and ta-da: you’re all set! On Pickup day, one of our friendly local drivers will come by to collect your items. They’ll sort things on the spot, making sure everything is clean, dry, and safe to handle (no hazardous or organic materials, please!). After that, your items head to one of our local consolidation points: that’s where everything gets carefully sorted and grouped by material. From there, we work with our network of vetted partners who ensure every item gets a proper second life. For example, soft plastics will be turned into pellets to make new flexible packaging, batteries are dismantled to recover precious metals, and coffee capsules are separated so the grounds become compost while the aluminium gets recycled, again and again, since it’s infinitely 
recyclable

Do you accept items in all conditions or are there any no-no’s people should be aware of before booking a pickup?

We like to keep things simple: we’ll take almost (almost!) anything as long as it’s dry, reasonably clean, and not hazardous or organic. So no liquids, food scraps, or chemicals, please. If it’s something you’d be happy to store indoors for a few days without it smelling or leaking, chances are we can take it!

Where are your services available and do you work with both individuals and businesses

We’re available across Australia in most metropolitan areas, pretty much everywhere except the Northern Territory for now. You can check exactly where we operate on our Pickup map. And yes: we work with everyone! More than 30,000 individuals already use RecycleSmart, and we also partner with businesses and councils around the country to help keep valuable materials out of landfill.

Are there any items you found people are extra confused about how to recycle?

P L A S T I C… hands down! It comes in so many shapes and forms, and the recycling rules can change from one council to the next. So every time you move house (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot in Australia!), you might have to relearn what goes where.
Things like flexible plastics vs. soft plastics, lids on or of, and all those odd little bits can 
get really confusing. That’s why at RecycleSmart, we decided to take them all and do the
sorting for you. Our Pickup service is your easy, reliable fallback when you’re just not sure 
what to do with something.

If there was one item you could keep out of landfill, what would it be?

If I had to pick one item to keep out of landfill forever, it’d be batteries. They’re deceptively dangerous: when tossed in general waste, they often trigger fires, and this isn’t rare. In Australia, battery-related fires in waste and recycling streams number between 10,000 and 12,000 per year. A battery fire can ignite when a cell is damaged, crushed, or shorted — setting off a chain reaction. Once batteries end up in landfill, they can leak heavy metals and toxic chemicals into soil and water. On the upside: through recycling, we can recover materials like lithium, copper, aluminium, cobalt (and more), which avoids the environmental impacts of mining those resources anew. So yes, if I had one thing I could magically rescue and recycle forever, it would be batteries.

Is there any part of the waste stream that we have managed to create a more or less sustainable system around?

Yes: there are parts of the waste stream where we’ve built more sustainable systems, and one of the brightest examples is the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). The beauty of CDS is that it puts value back into bottles and cans, giving people a direct incentive to return them instead of tossing them in the bin. And despite that, there’s still a big gap: around one in three aluminium cans go missing, they never make it back to the system. But when the CDS works, it works well. In New South Wales alone, over 13 billion containers have been returned since the launch of its scheme, with more than $1.3 billion refunded to people. Also, good news: the majority of aluminium cans collected through these schemes end up being recycled back into new cans — a real “can-to-can” loop. CDS is a brilliant example of a more circular, sustainable system in action.

What is the most out of the ordinary item you have ever picked up?

A satellite dish!

What has been your biggest surprise or learning about our relationship with waste so far?

Honestly, the biggest surprise has been how oblivious we are, as a nation, about our own waste. We hear about recycling and sustainability all the time, but when it comes to how we actually deal with our stuff: we’ve still got a long way to go. Australia has a bit of catching up to do, but the good news is there’s a real mindshift happening. More and more people are realising that there’s no such thing as “throwing away” ,  because there is no “away”. Everything we toss has to end up somewhere. We just can’t keep burying our heads in the sand like ostriches, it’s time we face it, take responsibility, and find smarter ways to deal with what we no longer need.

Looking ahead, what do you hope the Australian waste situation will look like in 5 years time and what role does RecycleSmart play in that future?

In five years, I really hope we’ll see stronger producer responsibility in Australia, where manufacturers, brands, and anyone putting products on the market are also responsible for what happens to those products at the end of their life. It’s already happening across Europe, and I think it’s the only real way to build and sustain the circular economy we need. When that happens, more brands will be working directly with RecycleSmart to help cover or offset the cost of pickups for their customers, making our service even more accessible to everyone. We also see a future where reporting and transparency become non-negotiable, where businesses not only aim to reduce what goes to landfill, but can actually prove it. That’s where RecycleSmart’s traceable system and live reporting will really shine, helping organisations measure their impact and show they’re part of the solution.

Any final words, thoughts or advice before we see you in a couple of weeks at the brewery?

Recycling, or dealing with our waste, doesn’t have to be boring, dirty, or overwhelming. It can actually be fun, simple, and really rewarding, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to show at RecycleSmart. We’re here to make it easy for people to do the right thing, one pickup, one item, one small action at a time, because those little changes really do add up. And when you see the difference it makes, it feels good! We honestly can’t wait to meet everyone at the brewery, have a chat, and share a few recycling stories (and maybe a beer or two) during National Recycling Week. See you soon!

Thank you

Reading times: 2 mins

Q&A With Eugenie Alonzo | RecycleSmart

This year will be joined by RecycleSmart at our Byron Bay Brewery for National Recycling Week. We caught up with Eugenie Alonzo from RecycleSmart ahead of the event to get a...

Read story
Top Scenic Hikes Around Brisbane Locals Actually Love

There’s something about lacing up your boots, hitting a winding track, and breathing in that crisp bush air that makes you feel alive. And here in Queensland, we’re spoilt for choice. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find hiking trails that locals return to time and again, the kind of Brisbane hikes that leave you sweaty, smiling, and craving a cold one afterwards.

So, if you’re chasing new adventures or simply looking for the best hikes near Brisbane to enjoy with mates, here are a few trails that have earned cult status among locals.

1. Mount Coot-tha Summit Track

Image courtesy of Loose Outdoors

It’s the classic, and for good reason. The Mount Coot-tha Summit Track is the closest thing Brisbane has to an “after work hike”. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, this 2km return track winds gently uphill to a lookout with sweeping views across the city, the river snaking its way through, and on a clear day, all the way out to Moreton Bay. 

Popular with joggers, families, and weekend wanderers, it’s the kind of hike you can squeeze in without much planning. Go early for birdsong and soft morning light, or hit it at sunset when the sky puts on a show and the city twinkles below. Pair it with a coffee (or ice cream) at the summit café and you’ll see why locals love this Brisbane gem.

2. Lamington National Park – Box Forest Circuit

Image courtesy of Parks QLD

Down in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lamington is hiking royalty. The Box Forest Circuit is a lush 10km loop that winds beneath towering Antarctic beech trees, across creeks, and past more than a dozen waterfalls, each one begging for a photo (and maybe a dip if you’re brave). 

The rainforest feels ancient here, with moss-covered logs and tangled vines that make you slow your pace and take it all in. It’s a longer day hike, but not overly tough, so it’s perfect if you want to spend a few hours immersed in nature. 

Trust us: pack snacks, take your time, and stop at Elabana Falls along the way, it’s a stunner and one of the most photographed spots in the park.

3. Glass House Mountains - Mount Ngungun

Image courtesy of Queensland.com

Ask any local about hikes around Brisbane and Mount Ngungun will almost always come up. Just over an hour north of the city, this short but rewarding 2.8km return trail climbs steadily through open forest before popping you out on bare rock at the summit. 

From here, the view is nothing short of iconic: jagged volcanic plugs of the Glass House Mountains jutting dramatically from the landscape, framed by rolling green fields below. It’s family-friendly, a favourite with sunrise chasers, and perfect for first-timers who want a big reward without needing serious fitness prep. 

If you’ve got visitors in town and want to show off a slice of Queensland magic, this is the hike to take them on.

4. Springbrook National Park – Twin Falls Circuit

Image courtesy of Kokoda Challenge

This one’s pure magic. The Twin Falls Circuit is a 4km loop that packs in everything you’d want from a rainforest walk, towering trees, mossy gullies, cave-like rock formations, and of course, waterfalls you can walk behind. 

There’s something special about feeling the spray on your face as you duck beneath Twin Falls themselves, looking out through the curtain of water at the lush forest beyond. The track is well-signed and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a crowd-pleaser. 

Go after decent rain and the waterfalls roar to life, but even in the drier months, the cool shade of the rainforest makes this one of the best hikes near Brisbane to escape the summer heat.

5. Mount Barney National Park – Mount Barney Summit

Image courtesy of We Are Explorers

For the more adventurous, Mount Barney is the big one. Standing at 1,359m, it’s Queensland’s second-highest peak, and summiting it is a rite of passage for serious bushwalkers.

The trails are rugged and often unmarked, demanding both physical fitness and solid navigation skills, but the payoff is enormous. From the top, you’re treated to a 360-degree view of the Scenic Rim, layers of ranges stretching endlessly towards the horizon. 

The climb can take 8–10 hours return, so it’s best started early and tackled with experienced mates who know their way around a map (and a compass). This isn’t just a hike; it’s an adventure that’ll push your limits and reward you with bragging rights for years to come.

Tips for Making the Most of Brisbane Hikes

Like any good adventure, a little prep goes a long way. If you’re planning a day on the trails, head out early to beat the heat, pack plenty of water, and don’t forget your camera, the views on these hiking trails are the kind you’ll want to remember. Hiking with mates? Share the load with snacks, laughs, and maybe even a post-hike playlist for the drive home.

Hiking Brisbane: Best Enjoyed with Mates and a Cold One

Whether it’s a cruisy stroll up Mount Coot-tha or a full-day mission out to Mount Barney, the beauty of hiking around Brisbane is how accessible it all is. One minute you’re dodging city traffic, the next you’re surrounded by towering gums, rushing creeks, and the kind of silence you can only find in the bush.

And of course, nothing beats capping off a day on the trails with a cold beer and a yarn. Around here, that usually means cracking a Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, light, fresh, and brewed to share with mates as the sun dips low. Because that’s what it’s all about, good company, great outdoors, and making the most of the place we’re lucky enough to call home.

Reading times: 2 mins

Top Scenic Hikes Around Brisbane Locals Actuall...

There’s something about lacing up your boots, hitting a winding track, and breathing in that crisp bush air that makes you feel alive. And here in Queensland, we’re spoilt for...

Read story
Peach Radler: Born in Byron, Made for Summer

There’s something magic about an Aussie summer arvo. That warm golden light, a gentle sea breeze, and that feeling, the one where time slows down and everything just feels right. It’s those long, easy afternoons that inspired our newest release: Peach Radler, a beer made for moments that linger.

Lightly sparkling, refreshing and totally peachy, this one’s brewed for sun-soaked days, beach hangs, and backyard BBQs that turn into golden evenings with good mates.

What’s a Radler, anyway?

The word Radler comes from Germany, where cyclists, or radlers, would mix their beer with fruit soda to lighten things up after a long ride. It’s the perfect balance of flavour and refreshment: part beer, part spritz, and all about that easy-drinking vibe.

At Stone & Wood, we’ve always loved taking beer traditions and giving them a bit of Byron sunshine. Following the zesty success of our Citrus Radler, we decided it was time for something new, something juicier, softer, and just as sessionable. Enter: Peach Radler. 

Beer Cut with Peach

Pouring golden and lightly hazy with a pillowy foam, Peach Radler bursts with vivid pops of peach flavour, soft apricot aromas, and a refreshing touch of citrus.

It’s crafted with pale and regenerative malts, malted and rolled wheat for body, and our favourite Galaxy hops for a subtle tropical lift. On the palate, it’s spritz-like and crisp, with a hint of sweetness that never oversteps, a true celebration of balance and refreshment.

It’s beer, with the feeling of a spritz.

It’s beer, with a twist.

It’s beer, cut with peach.

Pair it with…

Complement:

  • Grilled peach and prosciutto salad
  • Fresh burrata with stone fruit and basil
  • Vietnamese rice paper rolls with mint & mango

Contrast:

  • Spicy chicken tacos
  • BBQ pulled pork sliders
  • Sticky pork bao buns

Cut:

  • Margherita pizza with balsamic drizzle
  • Cheeseburger with caramelised onions

Whether it’s the hero of your picnic esky or a sidekick to a seafood spread, Peach Radler pairs effortlessly with summer’s best bites.

A Beer for Everyone

Peach Radler is brewed with more than just the classic beer drinker in mind. It’s for the ones who usually reach for a spritz, cocktail, or seltzer, but still want something refreshing and a little different. And it’s for the beer lovers too.

After plenty of tasting sessions (the fun kind), we’ve found that even the most dedicated beer drinkers have fallen for it. That’s because Peach Radler sits in that sweet spot: approachable, balanced, and full of real character. 

At its core, you’ve got that smooth base of pale and regen malts, malted wheat, and Galaxy hops, giving it a satisfying beer backbone without the heaviness. Then come the fruit-driven notes, juicy peach and soft apricot, bringing a bright, lightly sparkling lift that feels more like summer in a glass than your typical “fruit beer.”

Nothing fake. Nothing over-sweet. Just crisp, refreshing flavour that feels familiar and new all at once.

It’s the kind of beer you can bring to any occasion and know it’ll go down a treat, whether you’re sharing a round with mates, cracking one with your partner after work, or passing a can to your folks at a long lunch. Peach Radler is beer that doesn’t draw lines between beer fans and non-beer fans. It’s brewed for everyone, made for sunshine, and ready whenever the esky is.

Built for Summer Moments

From beach days and backyard cricket to long lunches that turn into lazy arvos, Peach Radler was made to keep up with you, not slow you down. Bring it to your next picnic, pull it from the esky after a surf, or crack one open while you wait for the prawns to hit the grill.

However you spend your summer, Radler’s the kind of beer that just fits in, light, refreshing, and full of that effortless, easygoing spirit that defines our Aussie summers.

Same Purpose, Different Path

We’re proud to brew Peach Radler as part of our broader commitment to good beer, good times, and doing good by the planet. From Byron Bay to Brisbane and beyond, we brew Australia-wide with care, sourcing thoughtfully, reducing waste, and always keeping our community close to our hearts.

And honestly? If that means brewing a bright, sessionable beer made for sunshine and sharing… we reckon that’s a pretty good place to start.

Where to Find It

Launching 27 October and hitting shelves 10 November 2025, Peach Radler will be available exclusively at BWS and Dan Murphy’s, plus in our Byron Bay and Brisbane tasting rooms and online store.

This one’s a limited release, so grab it while it’s fresh, and taste the sunshine while it lasts. Because when the days get longer and the air turns golden, there’s only one thing left to say… Rad-laaaahhh! 🍺🍑

Reading times: 2 mins

Peach Radler: Born in Byron, Made for Summer

There’s something magic about an Aussie summer arvo. That warm golden light, a gentle sea breeze, and that feeling, the one where time slows down and everything just feels right....

Read story
A Second Life for Your Carton: Creative Ways to Reuse and Recycle Our Packaging

There’s nothing better than cracking a cold Stone & Wood with mates after a long day, whether you’re kicking back by the coast, swapping stories around the fire, or winding down in your own backyard. But when the last sip’s done and the esky’s empty, what happens next matters just as much as the beer in your hand.

We’ve always believed that enjoying beer goes hand-in-hand with looking after the place we call home. From the lush hinterland to the peeling point breaks of the Northern Rivers, and now with our beers brewed Australia-wide, we’re committed to leaving the Earth in a better place than we found it. That’s why we want to chat about something close to our hearts: giving your six-pack a second life through reusing and recycling.

So, What Can Be Recycled?

First up, let’s make it clear, every part of our packaging is designed with recycling in mind.

  • Bottles: Brown glass bottles can go straight into your household recycling bin. Bottle recycling helps keep glass in circulation so it can be melted down and turned into new bottles, time and time again.
  • Cans: Aluminium cans are a true recycling hero. They can be back on the shelf as a new can within just 60 days, so toss them in your yellow-top bin or CDS return point and let can recycling do its magic.
  • Cartons and six-pack holders: Made from recycled cardboard, these can be flattened and added to your paper recycling.

It’s simple, but when we all do our bit, it adds up to a whole lot of impact.

The Circle of Beer Life

From the first crack of a can to the clink of bottles in the recycling bin, our beer doesn’t end when you take the last sip. Glass, aluminium, and cardboard can all come back as new six-packs, ready for another session with mates. It’s the circle of beer life, and it keeps the good times rolling without costing the Earth.

Creative Ways to Give Your Six-Pack a Second Life

Sure, recycling is important, but sometimes it’s fun to get creative before you send things off. Here are a few easy ways to reuse our packaging at home:

  • Cardboard carriers as seed starters: Pop in a bit of soil, plant a few seeds, and you’ve got yourself a mini herb garden on the windowsill. Once they sprout, just transfer them to a bigger pot or straight into the veggie patch.
  • Bottle vases: Rinse out your bottles and stick in a bunch of fresh natives, instant rustic charm for the kitchen table.
  • DIY storage: Six-pack holders make handy organisers for art supplies, garden tools, or even as a makeshift caddy for sauces at your next barbecue.
  • Kids’ craft projects: Empty cartons can become castles, spaceships or cubby accessories, just add imagination (and maybe some sticky tape).

By reusing first, then recycling, you’re giving our packaging the longest life possible.

Community Connection

For us, beer has always been about community and so has sustainability. We’ve spotted six-pack holders getting a second life as veggie starters at the farmers’ markets, cartons reborn as art projects at schools, and bottles shining as fairy-light holders at backyard gigs. That’s what we love about the Northern Rivers (and Australia more broadly), when we all pitch in, even small things make a big difference.

Closing the Loop with Container Deposit Schemes

If you live in a state with a container deposit scheme – like Return & Earn in NSW or Containers for Change in QLD, you can score 10 cents for every bottle or can you recycle. Think of it as beer karma: today’s recycling shout can help fund tomorrow’s round.

Brewing With Purpose: Stone & Wood as a B Corp

For us, beer has always been about more than what’s in the glass. Being a B Corp means we’re held to some of the highest standards when it comes to social and environmental impact, and that flows through everything we do. From the way we source ingredients, to how we look after our crew, to the way we reinvest in the communities that have supported us from day one, it all matters.

It’s about more than just pouring a pint. It’s about making sure every beer plays its part in a bigger picture, one where businesses care for people, place and planet in equal measure.

So when you crack a Stone & Wood, you’re not only enjoying a refreshing brew, you’re joining a movement that’s shaping a more sustainable future, right here in Australia.

Looking Ahead

Of course, we’re not stopping there. We’re always on the lookout for smarter, cleaner and more sustainable ways to brew. That could mean reducing our water use, trialling lighter-weight packaging, or supporting circular economy projects that turn waste into something useful again.

At the heart of it all is a simple idea: keep the footprint light and the beers flowing.

Our Bigger Picture

It’s not just about what happens once a six-pack leaves the brewery, it’s about what we do behind the scenes too. Across our breweries Australia-wide, we’re rolling out ways to cut down waste, recycle more, and use our resources wisely. From bottle recycling programs to energy-saving systems, every change, big or small, adds up.

And here’s the thing: beer really does taste better when you know you’re helping to look after the planet we all share. So next time you raise a Stone & Wood, think of it as a toast not just to good mates and good times, but to giving your six-pack a second life.

Join Us on the Journey

We reckon sustainability works best when it’s shared. Whether you’re recycling your bottles, finding creative new uses for your six-pack holders, or simply passing on the word, you’re part of a community making a difference with every beer.

Want to learn more? Check out our Recycling Guide or explore our Impact Initiatives to see how we’re brewing for tomorrow as much as we are for today.

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! 🍻

Reading times: 2 mins

A Second Life for Your Carton: Creative Ways to...

There’s nothing better than cracking a cold Stone & Wood with mates after a long day, whether you’re kicking back by the coast, swapping stories around the fire, or winding...

Read story
What Are Hops & Why We Use All-Australian Hops

If malt is the backbone of a beer, hops are its spark, the part that makes your tastebuds sit up and say, “yep, that’s a good one.” From the crisp bitterness in a lager to the tropical punch of a hazy, hops are the unsung heroes of the brewing world.

At Stone & Wood, we’ve always believed in keeping things close to home, and that’s why we brew with 100% Australian hops from our mates at Hop Products Australia. But before we get to the why, let’s take a step back and look at what hops actually are, and how they’ve become so central to the beers you love.

What Are Hops?

It’s a question we often get asked: what is hops in beer, and what are hops used for?

Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, a climbing vine that thrives in cool, temperate regions. They might look delicate, but inside each little cone is a powerhouse of flavour and aroma.

Those tiny yellow glands inside the hop cone are packed with oils and resins that brewers like us use for three main things:

  • Bitterness - balancing out the natural sweetness of malt.
  • Aroma - think citrus, pine, passionfruit, spice… all depending on the hop variety.
  • Preservation - hops help beer stay fresher for longer, a natural trait that’s been treasured for centuries.

So, when you raise a glass of Pacific Ale and breathe in that burst of passionfruit and tropical fruit, that’s the hops talking.

What Are Hops Used For in Brewing?

Hops aren’t just flavouring, they’re personality. They’re what sets an easy-drinking lager apart from a bold IPA, and what gives our Pacific Ale its signature fruity lift.

  • Add them early in the boil, and you get bitterness.
  • Add them late, and you capture more of their aroma and flavour.
  • Use dry hopping, and you get a fresh, punchy character added after fermentation.

It’s this versatility that makes hops so special. They’re the spice rack of brewing - the finishing touch that makes each beer unique.

A History of Hops

Beer’s been around for thousands of years but hops only became a star player later in the story. The earliest beers, brewed by ancient cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt, didn’t contain hops at all. Instead, brewers used herbs and spices to balance flavour.

It wasn’t until around the 9th century in Europe that hops began to appear in brewing. Monks were among the first to embrace them, discovering that hops not only added flavour and aroma, but also helped beer last longer, a pretty handy trick before refrigeration.

By the Middle Ages, hops were spreading across Germany, England and beyond, becoming the defining ingredient we know today.

Fast-forward to now, and hops are at the heart of modern brewing. From the piney notes of traditional European varieties to the bold tropical flavours of Australian-grown Galaxy®, hops continue to shape the beers we love, always evolving, always adding something new to the glass.

Why We Use All-Australian Hops

Australia might be better known for wine regions, but we’ve also got some of the world’s most innovative hop growers. The majority of Aussie hops are grown in Tasmania and Victoria, where the cool climate and fertile soils produce varieties found nowhere else.

When you sip one of our beers, you’re tasting the best of what these growers have to offer:

  • Galaxy® - the star of our Pacific Ale, delivering that passionfruit and tropical aroma that’s become iconic.
  • Ella™ - spicy and floral, perfect for rounding out more complex styles.
  • Vic Secret™ - all pineapple and pine, bringing a bold, modern edge.

By choosing Australian hops, we’re not just celebrating local flavour, we’re supporting Aussie farmers, cutting down on food miles, and keeping our brewing connected to the land we love.

Brewing with the Land in Mind

From our backyard in the Northern Rivers to breweries across the country, we’re committed to brewing in a way that leaves the Earth in a better place than we found it. Using Australian hops means we’re reducing transport emissions and strengthening our connection to local growers who share our values of sustainability and stewardship.

It also means that every beer we pour carries a little piece of home, the rolling hop fields of Tassie, the crisp air of Victoria’s valleys, the soil that makes it all possible.

A Toast to Aussie Hops

Hops might be small, but they’ve got a big story to tell. They’re the reason your lager is refreshing, your pale ale is zesty, and your Pacific Ale is bursting with tropical fruit. And when they’re grown right here in Australia, they bring not just flavour, but community, sustainability and pride.

So next time you take that first sip, spare a thought for the humble hop cone, and for the Aussie farmers who make it possible.

Here’s to keeping it local, keeping it flavourful, and keeping it brewed with care!

Reading times: 2 mins

What Are Hops & Why We Use All-Australian Hops

If malt is the backbone of a beer, hops are its spark, the part that makes your tastebuds sit up and say, “yep, that’s a good one.” From the crisp...

Read story
National Recycling Week 2025 and Stone & Wood: Another Life for Every Sip

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! 🍻

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Got something you’ve always wanted to ask Caols? Drop it in the comments and we’ll send it his way.

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How We Recycle Our Beer By-Products

Brewing beer is just the beginning. At Stone & Wood, we’re turning our brewing by-products into something good, giving back to the land and community we call home.

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