Reusable Party Kits: Celebrating Sustainably
How local councils and communities are turning parties green
Throwing a party is one of life’s greatest joys — a time to gather, laugh and create memories – and sharing reusable party kits are a great and simple way that communities can celebrate sustainably. Across the globe, councils and neighbours are embracing these vibrant kits packed with plates, cups, cutlery (and more!) that can be borrowed, used and returned again and again.
Why reusable party kits matter
As plastic waste increases and landfill costs soar, local governments worldwide are seeking effective ways to reduce waste. Reusable party kits offer a practical, community-powered way to cut-down on single-use plastics and support the growing shift away from disposable items.
Public bin audits in Ballina Shire in New South Wales, Australia, revealed that weekend park bins were often overflowing with disposable partyware, creating litter and causing a problem for Council. Many councils find that switching to reusable kits can dramatically reduce this kind of waste, litter and the carbon footprint of celebrations.
Some councils and communities are taking their sustainability efforts a step further and sharing their reusable party kits. Since 2020, members of the Party Kit Network (PKN), a nonprofit supporting reusable party kits worldwide, have kept over 1.3 million single-use items out of landfill, roughly the weight of three white rhinos!
But the impact goes deeper than numbers. Borrowing and returning party kits builds community connections, sparks conversations about sustainability, and normalises reuse as a joyful, easy choice — not a sacrifice.
What’s in a reusable party kit and where to source them
Reusable party kits typically include plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. Many kits are sourced from zero waste suppliers made from recycled plastic, ceramic or metal, or secondhand from community members or secondhand stores, supporting a circular economy.
Councils often choose vibrant, colour-coded sets that help younger guests easily identify their own items, making hygiene both simple and fun. Meanwhile, others, like the City of Joondalup in Western Australia, opt for elegant white ceramic plates and metal cutlery, catering to a more adult audience. Many kits also come with decorations and table linens, such as locally made repurposed fabric bunting. Others include jugs, serving platters, and water coolers – the list just keeps growing.
How to get kits to the party throwers
Many party kits are already being shared through local communities. In fact, 55% of party kits borrowed through the PKN are run from homes, while only 4% are managed by councils, highlighting an opportunity for local governments to step up and collaborate with community members to expand access.
There are many models for ways to run and distribute reusable party kits. One example is Brimbank City Council (Victoria, Australia) which lends out its kits through a network of five neighbourhood community centres across the area. The City of Santa Cruz (California, United States) offers ten community kits funded by the city and managed by volunteers, demonstrating how local government support can amplify impact. Other councils, such as Mayo County Council (Ireland), the City of London (England) and Tweed Shire Council (New South Wales, Australia) have integrated the scheme into public library services. The best approach depends on local community needs and resources.
Should the kits be free?
Many councils offer their party kits free to borrow, while others include optional fees or refundable deposits to cover cleaning and logistics, as seen in Mayo County Council. Offering washing services or pick-up/drop-off options can help maintain hygiene and ease for users while offsetting operational costs.
Join the reusable party kit movement
Reusable party kits are more than just tools to reduce waste. They are catalysts for community connection, education, and joyful celebrations that leave behind memories rather than landfill. Councils ready to lead can tap into resources like the PKN and build partnerships with schools, libraries, and community groups to bring kits to their residents and make reusable party kits part of everyday celebrations.
“Reusable Party Kits are pure circular joy: saving resources while bringing people together. This is what real zero-waste action looks like – inspiring, hands-on, and community-driven!”
(Comment left by Flickstatt – Dein Repair-Café on Tweed Shire Council Facebook post)
“The response to our party kits has been great. It’s been encouraging to see some residents start to rethink other aspects of their parties too – choosing reusable decorations or skipping plastic-filled party bags altogether.”
(Nicole Butler, Waste Education Officer for Brimbank City Council)
“Families are looking for ways to save money, and borrowing instead of buying just makes sense.”
(Nicole Butler, Waste Education Officer for Brimbank City Council)
