Waste isn’t fate, it’s a system we can rework.
Belinda 'Bel' Chellingworth is a leading voice in Australia's transition to a circular economy - renowned for transforming how businesses, governments and communities value resources.
A Scientist of systems, with 25 years of experience across the sustainability, waste and packaging sectors, she specialises in turning ambition into practical action that cuts waste, unlocks innovation with her signature blend of technical knowledge, thought leadership and a dash of fun.
Bel has led circular economy transformation for major organisations including the London School of Economics, The GPT Group, ALDI Supermarkets Australia and Australia Post - where her work helped pioneer Australian first projects, national changes in packaging reuse systems, soft plastics recovery and food waste prevention.
She brings a unique blend of commercial insight, science-backed strategy and deep knowledge of the recycling industry, gained from hands-on roles spanning local government operations through to global corporates.
Now Director and Principal Consultant at BC Consulting, Bel advises leaders navigating the shift from linear to circular - building capability, establishing new market opportunities and enabling organisations to thrive in the critical decade for climate action.
She’s so committed to the zero-waste cause that she officially dumped her red landfill bin in 2017 - today her household landfill fits into a Tupperware container she empties just once every fortnight.
Recognised as Planet Ark’s inaugural Australian Circular Leader, Bel also serves as a judge for the Banksia, Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation and Unpackit Awards, and mentors circular startups through Boomerang Labs, Australia’s first circular economy accelerator.
A trusted media voice, Bel is regularly called upon to decode sustainability with clarity and humour - affectionately known as the 'Garbologist'. She reaches national audiences through her program on ABC Radio Nightlife: Waste Not, Want Not, inspiring Australians to rethink what we throw away.
With versatility that spans everywhere from Boardrooms, Conferences, Media, Schools and even muddy Festivals, Bel is relatable and always keeps it real.
Bel’s mission is simple and urgent: make circularity real, relevant and achievable - everywhere.
Her keynotes equip audiences with clarity, hope and practical approaches needed to shape a future without waste.
Talking Points
Keynote: Demystifying Waste, Recycling and the Circular Economy
Bel helps audiences unpack the buzzwords, myths and realities behind waste and recycling, showing how a circular approach can create value for business and community. Audiences will have a clear understanding all the myths and murkiness surrounding waste and recycling systems, and understand where practical action can be taken.
Keynote: Demystifying Waste, Recycling and the Circular Economy
Keynote and Panels: Circular Economy in Action
From circular business models, sustainable packaging, procurement, food waste, construction and designing systems to reduce waste, Bel covers a wide array of topics and material types. Audiences will have an understanding of what genuine circularity initiatives look like, and how to start on a genuine pathway.
Keynote and Panels: Circular Economy in Action
Keynote and Panels: ESG and Business
With ESG and circular economy increasingly on the radar, and often a messy space, Bel breaks these down into how it can all work at a practical level, decoding responsibilities across government, industry, supply chains and individual organisations, where understanding people, places and processes is paramount!
Keynote and Panels: ESG and Business
Keynote and Workshops: Waste Wise
We all know waste is an issue, and most of us want to do something about it.Keynote and Workshops: Waste Wise
But what… how…when … where to start?! It can be overwhelming. There is so much noise, clutter, and confusion, you can’t seem to get a straight answer from anywhere.
Bel has worked, hands-on and (sometimes, literally!) knee deep, for decades in all areas of waste management, recycling and the ‘circular economy', in Australia and overseas, and can break things down with simplicity and good humour. In this talk and workshop, audiences will understand where they can take practical action on their waste footprint and how to go about it.
MC, Host & Facilitator
Bel is an energetic and trusted MC who brings events to life with clarity, confidence and genuine audience connection. With deep expertise in circular economy and sustainability, she seamlessly links sessions and speakers, ensuring every moment feels purposeful and aligned. Her natural stage presence, warmth and relatability make audiences feel both welcomed and inspired, while her professionalism keeps programs running smoothly and on time. Bel reads the room, adapts effortlessly to different moments and tones, and creates a cohesive, enjoyable experience for both speakers and delegates.
MC, Host & Facilitator
Bel Emceed the Circularity Stage of our inaugural ReGen Expo, Australia’s only event covering the full circular resource supply chain. She seamlessly and professionally kept our program fl ... keep reading ReGen Expo
We invited Bel to speak at the 2024 Charitable Reuse Australia Conference to inspire and elevate our members on what’s possible to be achieved on the road to circularity right here, right now. What I love about Bel’s engagement is that it is authentic, and that she truly walks the talk with her gracious stewardship of our planet’s resources as well as her innovative and down-to-earth thinking on how to solve challenges and create real impact. Bel is a doer and very relatable. She informed and entertained our delegates through an endearing mix of great ideas, honesty, humility, humour and a deep sense of true caring for our planet. Bel’s also been very helpful and collaborative outside of her conference session, and she also supported our sector in discussions on new initiatives for scaling reuse.
Latest News
Neale Daniher: A Legacy That Will Outlast The Beast
Three Stories, One Expert: What Dr Zac Seidler's Week in the Media Tells Us About Men Right Now
How to Measure Event ROI: Why 72% of the Industry Says Outcome Measurement Is Now Essential
