London has quietly become one of Europe’s best cities for package-free living. From Peckham to Hackney Wick, a growing network of local zero-waste shops now lets you fill your own jars with everything from pasta and porridge oats to shampoo and laundry liquid — no single-use plastic required.
Whether you’re searching for refill shops near you, hunting for zero-waste gifts, or simply trying to cut down on packaging waste, this guide rounds up the 10 best zero-waste & refill shops across the city, what they stock, and how the “bring your own container” system actually works.
What Is a Zero-Waste or Refill Shop?
A zero-waste or refill shop lets you buy pantry staples, cleaning products, and toiletries by weight instead of by pre-packaged unit. You bring an empty container (or borrow/buy a jar in-store), weigh it at the till to record the “tare” weight, fill it with whatever you need, and pay only for the product — not the packaging. It’s one of the simplest ways to build a more sustainable weekly shop without changing what you actually buy.
The 10 Best Zero-Waste Shops in London
1. Gather (Peckham)
Gather is one of London’s most established refill stores, sitting a short walk from Peckham Rye station. As a social enterprise, it puts purpose before profit, donating a share of proceeds to environmental charities. Expect refillable groceries like grains, pasta, and peanut butter, alongside laundry liquid, body wash, and even wine on tap.
Best for: first-time zero-waste shoppers who want a friendly, low-pressure introduction to refill culture.
2. The Source Bulk Foods (Multiple Locations)
With branches in Battersea, Crouch End, Richmond, West Hampstead, Putney, and Chiswick, The Source Bulk Foods is the most widely spread local zero-waste shop chain in the city. Each store stocks a large range of dried goods, spices, oils, and household refills, making it one of the easiest options if you’re searching “zero-waste shopping near me.”
Best for: Londoners who want a zero-waste option in multiple neighbourhoods.
3. Refill Therapy (Hackney Wick & Stratford)
Refill Therapy runs two of East London’s most comprehensive zero-waste & refill shops, with locations in Hackney Wick and Stratford’s East Village. It stocks UK-made, plant-based, and biodegradable products, plus clean beauty refills from brands like Faith in Nature and UpCircle. Forgot your jar? They sell reusable containers in-store.
Best for: East Londoners after both pantry refills and eco-friendly beauty products.
4. Art of Zero Living (Greenwich)
Tucked inside Greenwich Market, Art of Zero Living is a fully organic, plastic-free refillery offering rice, pasta, legumes, spices, and a wide range of household and beauty refills. It’s a great stop if you’re combining a market visit with sustainable shopping.
Best for: visitors and locals exploring Greenwich Market.
5. Jarr Market (Herne Hill & Stoke Newington)
Jarr Market operates two South and North London sites and prides itself on sourcing sustainably and buying in bulk to reduce carbon footprint. Alongside pantry staples and cleaning refills, it stocks reusable containers — handy if you’re just starting your zero-waste journey and need jars to fill.
Best for: shoppers who want reusable containers and refills in one trip.
6. BYO (Tooting Market)
Founded in 2018 under the mantra “Be the Change You Want to See,” BYO (Bring Your Own) sits inside trendy Tooting Market. It focuses on vegan products and offers a refill station for water, milk, and other drinks alongside standard dry goods.
Best for: South Londoners after vegan-focused refills in a buzzing market setting.
7. SWOP (Lewisham)
Billed as South East London’s first organic zero-waste grocery store, SWOP stocks ethically sourced food, household products, and toiletries, plus quirkier finds like plastic-free chewing gum. It’s a solid pick for a fully plastic-free weekly shop.
Best for: SE London locals wanting an all-in-one organic refill grocer.
8. Harmless (Crouch End)
Harmless is a fully vegan grocery shop in Crouch End that goes beyond refills — staff offer recipe ideas and restaurant tips alongside cupboard essentials and treats. It’s especially welcoming for anyone new to zero-waste or vegan shopping.
Best for: beginners who want guidance, not just products.
9. Naked Larder (Herne Hill)
Naked Larder offers an affordable, click-and-collect approach to zero-waste shopping, covering food, wine, cleaning, and personal care refills. The online ordering system makes it a convenient option if you can’t easily get to a physical refill station.
Best for: busy shoppers who want refills without the trip.
10. The Refill Larder (Teddington)
Rounding out the list, The Refill Larder in Teddington covers dried goods refills as well as eco-friendly household and cleaning products, making it a solid local option for those in South West London.
Best for: SW London and Teddington residents.
Zero-Waste Gifts: What to Buy at These Shops
Most of the shops above double as great sources for zero-waste gifts — think refillable glass bottles filled with local honey, bamboo cutlery sets, beeswax food wraps, or a “starter kit” of jars paired with a gift card for future refills. Several stores, including Jarr Market and Refill Therapy, sell reusable containers specifically designed to be gifted and refilled again and again.
How to Shop Zero-Waste in London: A Quick Checklist
- Bring clean, dry containers — jars, tubs, or bottles all work.
- Weigh your container first (“taring”) so you’re only charged for the product.
- Start small with one or two pantry staples before switching your whole shop over.
- Check opening hours online — many independent refill shops have limited weekday hours.
- Ask staff for recommendations — most zero-waste shop owners are happy to explain the system to newcomers.
FAQ: Zero-Waste and Refill Shopping in London
What is the best zero-waste shop in London?
There’s no single “best” shop — it depends on your neighbourhood. Gather (Peckham) and The Source Bulk Foods (multiple branches) are among the most established, while Refill Therapy and Jarr Market offer some of the widest product ranges.
How does a refill shop work?
You bring an empty, clean container, have it weighed at the till to record its “tare” weight, fill it with your chosen product, and pay by weight. Most shops also sell containers if you don’t have your own.
Are zero-waste shops in London more expensive than supermarkets?
Prices vary by product, but bulk-bought staples like grains, pasta, and cleaning refills are often comparable to or cheaper than pre-packaged supermarket equivalents, especially for larger quantities.
Can I find zero-waste gifts at these shops?
Yes. Most refill shops stock reusable jars, bottles, and eco-friendly accessories that make practical, low-waste gifts, and several offer gift cards for future refills.
Do I need to bring my own container every time?
No — nearly all zero-waste shops in London sell jars, bottles, or bags in-store if you forget or don’t yet own reusable containers.
Are there zero-waste shops across all of London, or just certain areas?
They’re spread across the city. This list alone covers Peckham, Hackney Wick, Stratford, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Stoke Newington, Tooting, Lewisham, Crouch End, and Teddington, with more opening regularly.
Looking for more sustainable living guides? Explore more zero-waste tips and eco-friendly shopping guides on Sustainable Stalks.
Author: Sustainable Talks
Talk Green. Think Change. Act Sustainably. 🌍 Ideas, stories & actions for a greener future.