- Reuse shops saved Western Australians almost $250 million in 2024-2025
- More than 36 million items kept in use and out of landfill
- The reuse sector supports more than 1,300 jobs, including 351 for people with disability
- Cook Labor Government protectingand restoring our environment while strengthening a circular economy that supports local jobs
Reuse enterprises are helping protect Western Australia's environment by keeping tens of thousands of tonnes of waste out of landfill, while saving households around $250 million a year and supporting more than 1,300 jobs.
The WA Reuse Impact Study shows charities and reuse organisations collected more than 36 million items in 2024-25, weighing about 14,000 tonnes.
Households saved an estimated $245 million - around $200 each - by choosing second-hand over new, highlighting the growing role of reuse in supporting cost-of-living relief and the communities' shifting towards materials that were once considered waste.
The findings highlight the expanding role of reuse in Western Australia's circular economy, reducing waste and keeping valuable materials in use for longer while supporting a diversified and resilient State economy.
Environmental benefits highlighted by the study include:
- avoiding consumption of 6,100 tonnes of virgin materials;
- preventing an estimated 110,000 tonnes of CO emissions;
- saving about 5,000 megalitres of water, equal to 2,000 Olympic swimming pools; and
- preserving about 52,000 hectares of land.
The findings are detailed in a report released by Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the Waste Authority.
A launch event at Good Sammy Enterprises in Canning Vale today highlighted employment and training opportunities for people living with disability across the State.
The study follows Monash University's National Reuse Measurement Guidelines and reveals WA, the fourth State to commission a report, achieves unique social benefits.
Charitable reuse in WA raised an estimated $42 million in funds that were reinvested into social and community programs and initiatives. Of this, 39 per cent was directed toward supporting people with a disability.
Reuse generates 62 times more jobs than recycling and the strong presence of large employment-focused organisations in WA means around one in four paid jobs are held by people facing barriers to employment. Through offering staff and volunteers opportunities for connection, confidence building, and purpose, while encouraging community-wide pride and responsibility for minimising environmental impacts.
See the report for more information.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"This research shows reuse enterprises deliver impressive economic, social and environmental value for Western Australia.
"Second-hand shopping is good for the environment, good for the economy and good for the community.By supporting reuse, we're reducing waste, creating local jobs and helping households manage the cost of living.
"Charitable reuse is a powerful driver of inclusive employment and training opportunities for people with disability across the State.
"The reuse movement is accelerating Western Australia's transition to a circular economy, saving 110,000 tonnes of CO, which is equal to removing 46,000 cars from the road."
As stated by Charitable Reuse Australia chair Terry O'Neill:
"This study reveals the importance of the second-hand sector in supporting charities, reducing carbon emissions and providing local job opportunities.
"It's wonderful to see how many second-hand items are being diverted from landfill to people who need them, want them and enjoy using them.
"People don't just buy second-hand to save money. We're seeing young people choosing sustainability over fast fashion and taking pride in wearing a pre-loved bargain.
"Charity shops help people through hard times and reuse is giving households relief from continued cost-of-living pressure.
"Reuse works. We see it everywhere from helping to reduce daily expenses to conserving water, energy and raw materials that would otherwise be used to produce new products.
"We encourage Western Australians to accelerate the impact of reuse State-wide by shopping at charity stores and making donations."
