Extending the life of stuff you no longer need by passing it on to someone new not only saves it from landfill, but also ensures all the raw materials and energy used to make it are used to their greatest possible extent. It's a win win for the planet.
To help you reuse all year round, we've created this guide to finding a new home for stuff you no longer want or need.
CLOTHING & TEXTILES
If it's in good condition, pass it on to a friend or family member or donate to a local charity shop, in store hours.
For clothing that has come to the end of life, book an at home collection with Upparel or check out RCYCL who provide a return satchel that makes wardrobe clean outs quick and easy.
For bedding and Manchester, recycle at your local Sheridan store or contact local mechanics, animal shelters or vets.
KIDS TOYS
Got a plethora of plushies or even a legion of LEGO? Big W recently launched a toy recycling program in store.
FURNITURE
Give it away for free or sell on an online marketplace like eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
Check what local organisations like women's shelters need near you using the online platform, Givit.
Feeling crafty? Check out Planet Ark's free furniture upcycling video tutorials.
ELECTRICAL GOODS
Pass them on to people in your community by posting on a local Facebook group or sell items on an online marketplace.
Want to fix it? Fixable is a free online community that makes to easy to repair, wherever you are in Australia, with advice, discussion groups and a tool for finding local repair technicians.
For stuff that's come to the end of life, check with the manufacturer as many offer take back schemes.
Phones and accessories can be recycled for free by post with Mobile Muster. TVs, computers and printers, can be recycled through the national TV & computer recycling scheme.
FOR THINGS AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE
For stuff that's come to the end of it's life, check your council website for the services offered near you.
And whatever you do, don't dump it! Leaving items on the kerb or outside an op shop for someone else to deal with is illegal and costs charities and local communities heaps in clean up fees.
This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy.
