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How to Avoid Waste

Glass Bottles

Reuse 101

Australians produce one of the largest amounts of waste per capita in the world - only behind USA and Canada.

Reusing a product, rather than buying a new one, reduces the demands for water, energy and raw materials.

Reusing has many benefits - donating your items for reuse clears up space in your home. It works the other way too. You can often score a bargain getting something secondhand. Even for free.

 

In the mood for a spring clean?

Declutter your home by donating unwanted items to the following organisations:

Bower reuse and repair co-op

The Bower collects unwanted goods and resells them to the community. It is also a repair and reuse centre that offers a Referral Service - if they can't accept your items they will help you find someone who might: www.bower.org.au

Freecycle

Offer things you no longer need at Freecycle. Post your items online and watch them fly out the door. You can even request that people pick them up from you: www.freecycle.org.au

Reverse Garbage

A not-for-profit cooperative that sells industrial discards to the public for creative and practical projects: www.reversegarbage.com.au

St Vincent de Paul

Families in need are given household items, clothes and toys free of charge while surplus items are sold through Vinnie's Centres. Even torn clothing can be recycled and sold to companies as cleaning rags: www.vinnies.org.au

The Salvation Army Stores

The Salvation Army can reuse materials that are too good to dispose of: www.salvosstores.com.au

Toy Restoration Centre

The Toy Restoration Centre at Jannali repairs and donates unwanted toys to disadvantaged children. Call 02 9528 4024.

 

Neckace made from reused items

Grab a bargain

Get your shopping fix and help the environment at the same time.

Freecycle

Find pre-loved treasures for free: www.freecycle.org.au

Swap Party

Swapping is fast becoming the new shopping. A swap party is an event where you bring along something you don't want and swap it for something you do. Hold your own swap party or come to The Big Aussie Swap at 12.30pm on 10 November 2009.

The Nunnery Bike Workshop

The Nunnery Community Bike Workshop at 1 Phillip St, Waterloo, collects abandoned bikes and parts to create working bikes to put back into the community. Fix up your bike with the tools and parts available: www.bikeclub.wordpress.com

 

Make some cash from your trash

  • Hold an online auction on Ebay, Gumtree or Scoodi
  • Hold a garage sale
  • Have a stall at local markets
  • Post your unwanted items for sale in community newspapers or noticeboards

 

Goodbye junk mail

These contacts will help cut down the amount of unwanted mail you receive.

Distribution Standards Board

Order a FREE "No Advertising Material" sticker for your letterbox and help prevent junk mail: call the Distribution Standards Board on 1800 676 136.

Sensis

Register to STOP receiving White or Yellow Pages by calling Sensis on 1800 810 211.

Australian Direct Marketing Association

Register your name on the Australian Direct Marketing Association’s Do Not Mail Service to stop contact from ADMA members.

More ways to avoid waste

  • Loan items from libraries like books and toys
  • Hire or borrow things you use occasionally like tools and equipment, videos and DVDs
  • Consider car share / hire
  • Buy online and download to avoid CD / DVD packaging and transportation
  • Choose 'experience' or service gifts to avoid accumulating household items

Other handy contacts

A to Z guide

Download our A to Z reuse and recycling guide below as a quick reference for what to do with various items.

Nappy network

Consider reusable nappies: www.nappynetwork.org.au

NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change

Coordinates with local councils to provide drop-off centres for household chemicals, engine oil, fuels and gas bottles. Call the Clean Out Information Hotline on 131 555.

Recycling Near You

Search for local recycling information on almost anything by Council or product: www.recyclingnearyou.com.au

Return Med

Dispose of your out-of-date medicines safely: www.returnmed.com.au or go to any pharmacy.

Reuse Directory

A wide range of reuse and repair businesses and organisations in the North East region of New South Wales: www.reusedirectory.com

 

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Last Updated: Friday 7 August, 2009

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.