Reverse Garbage has been a driving force in sustainability and creative reuse for 50 years. From our humble beginnings in 1975 to our role as a leader in the circular economy, this digital archive celebrates our milestones, people, and impact.
For five decades, Reverse Garbage has championed the belief that waste is simply a resource waiting for a new purpose. What began as a grassroots initiative by teachers and community workers has grown into an internationally recognised organisation, saving thousands of tonnes of materials from landfill each year. Out and about collecting factory offcuts in the 1970s, just as we still do in 2025, we have built a legacy of innovation, education and advocacy that continues to inspire individuals, schools, artists and businesses to rethink waste and embrace reuse.
You never know what you may find at Reverse Garbage. Our impact extends far beyond saving materials as we have built a thriving community of makers, educators and environmental advocates. From school excursions to large-scale public events, Reverse Garbage has provided countless opportunities for people of all ages to engage with sustainability in a hands-on, creative way. Our workshops, exhibitions and reuse initiatives have not only diverted waste but also sparked conversations and real change in the way the public views consumption and resourcefulness.
A wonderful collection of collages using re-use resources from Reverse Garbage is just one part of this digital archive, a tribute to the incredible people, projects and ideas that have shaped Reverse Garbage over the past 50 years. It captures the spirit of our reuse movement, from iconic events like Mardi Gras float constructions to our advocacy efforts and collaborations with artists and organisations. As we look to the future, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with reclaimed materials, proving that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Education
As demand for sustainability education grew, Reverse Garbage developed workshops, programs, and events. Today, thousands of students and educators engage with hands-on learning about reuse each year.
A Teacher-Led Initiative
The founding educators raised funds to buy a truck and started collecting surplus materials from local factories. Their goal was simple: divert waste from landfill and provide affordable resources for schools.
Volunteers and Supporters
Reverse Garbage has always been powered by passionate individuals – staff, volunteers, artists, and customers who believe in our mission. Their dedication has helped sustain and grow the organisation over decades.
The Addison Road Era
One of the highlights for many visitors was our iconic dinosaur, pictured on the right, a main attraction for local kids, which is still with us today above the counter.
For 46 years, Reverse Garbage operated from the historic Infantry Drill Hall on Addison Road in Marrickville, becoming a hub for sustainability, education and creative reuse.
Over the decades, what began as a small teacher run project grew into an internationally recognised creative reuse centre whose impact reached beyond schools to artists, businesses and the wider community.
Explore the History of Reverse Garbage
Where are they now?
These young creators, educators, and volunteers helped shape Reverse Garbage in its early days. Decades later, where have their journeys taken them? Some have become artists, designers, educators, and sustainability champions, carrying forward the values of reuse and creativity. Others fondly remember their time at Reverse Garbage as the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for making, teaching, and thinking differently about waste.
Have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you!
Out and about conducting a waste audit, helping communities see the hidden value in discarded materials.
Trucks of Reverse Garbage!
From the early days to now, Reverse Garbage trucks have been the backbone of our mission – rescuing materials, delivering creativity, and keeping waste out of landfill. These trucks have seen it all: mountains of fabric, vintage mannequins, theater props, and even the occasional mystery item. Whether rolling through city streets or packed with salvaged treasures, they’ve been a symbol of sustainability in action.
In this photo, the original Reverse Garbage truck is parked outside Addison Road, with Jon Lawrence on top playing the drum. The truck was more than just a vehicle for collecting offcuts. It became a symbol of our beginnings, carrying both salvaged materials and the spirit of community, creativity and celebration that defined our early years.
The RG Reuse Centre at Addison Road
For decades, Addison Road was more than just our home – it’s been a hub of creativity, community, and sustainability. From workshops to festivals, truck deliveries to treasure hunts, this vibrant space has fostered countless moments of making, learning, and reimagining reuse materials.
Reverse Garbage at Casula Powerhouse – Creative Reuse Takes Centre Stage!
Art, Play, and Sustainability Collide! – Hands-on making and upcycling at Casula Powerhouse.
Empowering educators, students, and makers to rethink waste…
Reverse Garbage hits the road in the early 1990s with one of our most popular products, EVA skins.
A proud moment – participants display the wonderful masks they made.
