More than 53 tonnes of items destined for landfill have found new homes in the first two months of the Refindit by Outlook Australia tip shop opening at Townsville City Council's Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto applauded both the Townsville community for backing the new facility and Outlook Australia for their new take on an old classic.
"Well, it's official – the community wanted the tip shop back and they have welcomed it with open arms," Cr Dametto said.
"From furniture and clothing to tools, building materials and everything you could possibly imagine in between - all up, more than 53,668 kilograms of items have not only found new homes, but have been saved from landfill.
"I was surprised by the excellent quality of the items being snapped up by people during the opening day back in December.
"It's great to see the community embracing sustainability, buying second-hand and repurposing things where possible."
Outlook Australia Retail Development Manager Danielle Werner said the first two months partnering with Townsville City Council's Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre had been an exciting time for Refindit.
"We had the pleasure of meeting so many members of the community on the opening day," Ms Werner said.
"The joy we have seen the community have towards the reopening has been a beautiful experience, we can't wait to continue providing these recycled goods to the community and work towards a more sustainable future together.
"The team has been working hard to prepare all the generous donations ready for their next home, we will be running weekly sales advertised on our Refindit by Outlook - Townsville page, so follow along to keep updated."
Councillor Dametto said while it was terrific to see almost 4000 items had found new homes, diverting the items from landfill was saving Council money when it came to increasing waste levy fees.
"Like all councils, we are actively working to reduce what ends up in landfill," Cr Dametto said.
"By people giving these items a new lease on life, it has saved valuable space in our landfill and has equated to around a $5,200 saving in waste levy charges.
"As a community it's great to see people working together to limit what ends up in the ground, whether it be by donating second-hand items, sorting your waste, recyclables and green waste or by repurposing old items - every little bit counts.
"We're really pleased with our new partnership with Outlook Australia and look forward to seeing what they do with this new facility in the months and years to come."
Refindit by Outlook Australia fast facts:
- January: 1164 items = 26.7 tonnes
- February: 2621 items = 27 tonnes
- 137 sales processed on opening day - 328 items sold (not including bundles)
Most sold items:
- Homewares - 1269 items
- DVDs - 1035
