City of Darwin is celebrating the successful first year of the Reviva Reuse Shop at the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility, with more than 340 tonnes of material diverted from landfill and more than 35,000 customers visiting the reuse shop since opening in 2025.
Operated by Resource Recovery Australia, the Reviva Reuse Shop has become an important community hub focused on reuse, recycling, education and employment pathways.
City of Darwin Lord Mayor, Peter Styles, said the results highlighted the positive environmental and social impact the facility delivers for Darwin residents.
"Since opening last year, Reviva Darwin has demonstrated the significant difference reuse and recycling initiatives can make for our community and environment," Mr Styles said.
"The Reviva Reuse Shop has served more than 35,000 customers and diverted 342.6 tonnes of material from landfill through reuse and recycling, as well as recycling 24 tonnes of metal, 6.6 tonnes of cardboard and 4.4 tonnes of e-waste, helping reduce waste and recover valuable resources.
"The Reviva Reuse Shop also delivers important social outcomes for the community, employing staff who were experiencing barriers to employment before starting with the organisation.
"The team has undertaken extensive training in areas including first aid, fire warden responsibilities, chemical handling, forklift operations and retail and customer service, helping create meaningful employment pathways and new skills for local people," he said.
Over the past year, the Reviva Reuse Shop has donated 3.1 tonnes of goods and materials to community organisations including Mission Australia, Sobering Up Shelter, Top End School of Flexible Learning, Territory True, Karama School, local Aboriginal charities and wildlife support groups.
The facility has also engaged with the wider community through educational school visits, participation in the Shoal Bay Open Day and creative reuse initiatives, including recycled frog and crocodile sculptures made from old tyres for the City of Darwin Christmas Pageant.
Mr Styles said the success of the Reviva Reuse Shop reflects the community's commitment to sustainability and circular economy initiatives.
"Residents have embraced the Reviva Reuse Shop not only as a place to find affordable and unique items, but also as a way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable Darwin," Mr Styles said.
"The popularity of initiatives like the Mystery Item of the Week and the Reviva Reuse Competition shows how enthusiastic the community is about giving materials a second life."
City of Darwin remains committed to supporting innovative waste reduction initiatives that create environmental, economic and social benefits for the Darwin community.
