The Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility (LCRWMF) reuse store is about to get an upgrade, with social enterprise Resource Recovery Australia (RRA) ready to set up shop.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said he was excited to see the changes ahead for the well-loved reuse store.
"For the last 5 years we have worked very closely with Queensland Metal Recyclers (QMR) in running the Trendy Trash store, and we would really like to thank their staff for all of their work and efforts over those years," said Cr Latcham.
"As our community moves towards zero waste there's a real opportunity to do something exceptional with this site, and we're looking forward to welcoming national social enterprise RRA to take this popular site to the next level.
"This organisation specialises in running reuse shops, and has an incredible track record from Noosa to Shellharbour.
"They also pride themselves on creating stable and meaningful jobs for people experiencing barriers to work.
"We're looking forward to working with RRA to create a community space that encourages everyone to come along and experience the benefits of reuse in action."
RRA General Manager Matt Curtis said they were excited to work with Rockhampton Regional Council.
"At RRA we work to keep waste out of landfill through reuse and recycling," said Mr Curtis.
"We provide real employment and training opportunities to people who need a chance. We are working towards a true, circular economy with local, green jobs.
"What some see as 'waste' we see as valuable resources. We love to see quality goods reused and repaired to give them a second life."
Councillor Latcham encouraged the community to head along to Trendy Trash over the next few weeks.
"All services will continue to be provided during the transition to RRA, please continue drop off your good quality preloved household items and other recyclable materials for free in the recycling lanes at Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility.
"Trendy Trash will also be holding some discounted sales over the next few weeks, so head along and pick up a bargain!"
Trendy Trash will close on 16 May.
RRA is expected to open its doors to the public on 28 May.
Resource Recovery Australia is a national social enterprise that works in waste management to keep waste out of landfill, create jobs for people experiencing barriers to work, and to engage and connect people in our communities.
Last financial year, RRA worked with local communities to divert 1,573 tonnes of waste from landfill for reuse and 5,096 tonnes for recycling, and provided 104 employment opportunities. Over 75% of RRA's team were experiencing barriers to employment when they started their jobs.
