Waste Not

Waste Not investigates the journey of our rubbish—from the curb to the sorting floor—and reveals the true value of materials that are not simply dumped in a landfill. The film shows that extracting metals from old computers is cheaper and easier than mining virgin ore. It demonstrates how organics can be transformed into fertiliser and green electricity, yet every year Australians discard about half a tonne of food waste to landfill, where it becomes contaminated with chemicals and e-waste. The nation currently recycles only about 50% of its waste. The film argues that a path beyond environmental catastrophe exists, and we need not wait for politicians to deliver it, but rather imagination and ingenuity to turn waste back into wealth. Waste Not features conversations with scientists, waste-depot workers, environmental campaigners, gardeners, and a renowned chef to illustrate how straightforward it can be to safeguard the planet through proper recycling.