Waste Education Events

Cairns Regional Council's Waste Education Program offers many free events that residents can take part in to learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste better. Council also offers ongoing free Kindy, School & Community Group tours & presentation events which interested participants can register their interest for.

For a full list of upcoming Council events please visit Council's Upcoming Events Page.

Further Information about Waste Education Specific Events:

The Cairns community is invited to the 2026 Trash to Treasure event—a fun filled celebration of waste reuse, landfill reduction and sustainability!

Join us Saturday 8 August from 9am until 1pm at the Buy Back Shop in Portsmith for a day packed with live entertainment, hands-on workshops, and local market stalls. Discover clever ways to repurpose, upcycle and reuse everyday items, and don’t miss the thrilling finale of the Reuse, Rethink, Repurpose Competition, where local schools and early learning centres showcase their amazing waste-to-wonder creations.

Proudly hosted by Cairns Regional Council, Trash to Treasure is a free community event celebrating waste education, reduction, and a circular future for all.

There’s something for everyone:

Delicious food and coffee vans
Community BBQ – gold coin donations go to a nominated local charity
Live entertainment and free raffle draws for attendees and voters in the School/ELC competition
Specials and incredible finds at the Council Buy Back Shop
Local market stalls promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling
Interactive workshops on repair, reuse, and upcycling – fun for all ages
Charity auction hosted by the Buy Back Shop - proceeds of the auction will be donated to the event charity partners
Award presentation for the “Reuse, Rethink, Repurpose” School and Early Learning Centre Competition

Be inspired by clever ideas that turn trash into treasure – and take home practical ways to reduce waste to landfill.

Exciting Workshops at the 2026 Trash to Treasure Event

The 2026 workshop program is packed with creative, hands-on sessions that celebrate reuse, repair, and rethinking waste.

Here's what we have coming up:

Cairns Bike Repairs – Learn simple bike repairs and maintenance tips
Precious Plastic FNQ – Bottle top lid & small item reuse and recycling demonstrations
Breathe and Weave – Basket weaving using green waste
Fabric Rescue Revolution – Sewing and textile reuse demonstrations
Green Space Our Place – Discover composting and sustainable gardening tips
Carton Creations with Mikky - Turn egg cartons into amazing works of art
Magic Wand Making - Create your own magical wand
Pallet to Purpose - Four DIY stations showcasing how reclaimed wooden pallets are transformed into useful creations

To keep the fun going throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to get your hands on some amazing prizes! See below for what's up for grabs.