In this work, a novel free-standing three-dimensional MoS2/rGO/Cu2O ternary composite grown on etched carbon paper is successfully synthesized by simple hydrothermal method and demonstrated for very fast photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and binary mixture MB-RhB under natural sunlight irradiation. Interestingly, the ternary film exhibits fast dyes degradation of ∼98 % within 45 min of irradiation indicating its excellent photocatalytic activity owing to efficient absorption in broad range of spectrum and the combined synergistic effects of the nanostructures. In addition, the stable photocatalyst film is reused six times without any major loss in efficiency thus making it suitable for real time applications for sustainable environment. The as-prepared free-standing, reusable and stable film demonstrates a wide potential in environmental monitoring applications such as removal of organic pollutants and wastewater treatment. © 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim