Protecting the planet together!
Reverse Garbage is a creative reuse centre making a difference in the world by reducing waste and creating change in the way we look at resources.
At Reverse Garbage, our mission is to inspire sustainable living and foster creativity by educating about reuse. Established in 1975, we are an internationally recognised not-for-profit creative reuse centre dedicated to diverting commercial and industrial waste from landfill and giving it new life. By providing unique resources and materials, we empower individuals, educators, artists, and communities to think creatively and act sustainably.
Environmentally focused, we accept a broader range of materials than traditional op shops, offering a unique range that includes industrial cast-offs, arts and crafts supplies, and vintage treasures. Our model depends on community donations, making us an efficient and scalable solution for other communities striving for sustainability. Every donated item sold represents a tangible step towards reducing waste, protecting the environment, and supporting creative reuse. As a vital part of community infrastructure, we provide access to affordable materials, resources, and education that foster long-term environmental and social impact.
Education is at the heart of what we do. Our diverse programs and workshops engage people of all ages in hands-on learning about sustainability, creativity, and resourcefulness. From Loose Parts Play for early learners to skill-building workshops in lino printing, indigo dyeing, and reclaimed woodblock printing for adults, we equip participants with tools and inspiration to embrace reuse in everyday life. By partnering with educators, artists, and community groups, we nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the value of waste as a resource.
We fight climate change through community-based environmental initiatives and waste diversion. By championing the circular economy, we enable people to reduce consumption, create sustainably, and minimise their environmental footprint. Our work not only diverts materials from landfill but also fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility, addressing the urgent need for solutions to environmental challenges.
At Reverse Garbage, we believe in the power of people and materials to make a difference. Together, we can build a thriving, creative, and independent community that values reuse, celebrates resourcefulness, and protects our planet for future generations. Join us in shaping a world where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
How we do it
Every year, we accept donations from businesses and individuals of around 35,000 cubic metres of items that would otherwise end up in landfill. That’s around 100 football fields’ worth of industrial off-cuts, over-runs, art and craft materials, stage props, knick-knacks, furniture and other odds and ends.
- We make those materials available to the public at low cost through our Marrickville warehouse and our online shop.
- We hold workshops that give community members the skills and inspiration they need to make the most of the resources they find at Reverse Garbage.
- We manage a program of educational workshops suitable for little kids and school across a range of ages, abilities and needs.
And we proudly provide support to other community, creative and educational groups in the form of donated materials, service-in-kind, mutual benefit projects and small financial sponsorships.
A registered Not-for-profit
Since 1975, Reverse Garbage has been protecting the planet from needless waste and enriching the community with a can-do creative spirit. The funds we raise in our shop help offset the cost of teaching creative reuse to kids, adults and community groups.
Your support, through membership, volunteering and donations, makes a big difference.
Make a donation
Become a volunteer
Lend us a hand!
No matter what your experience or skill level, there’s a role for you at Reverse Garbage. We regularly need help with:
- stocking and organising the warehouse
- helping customers in the warehouse, including sales
- supporting our educators prepare and run kids’ workshops
- supporting our educators and artists at community events and workshops
- administrative tasks such as answering questions and taking bookings over the phone
- photography and video of stock, people and events.
In short, we’d love to have your help! Register below, email or call 02 9569 3132.
We can organise team-building volunteering days for your workplace, too. Read more about our corporate volunteers program.
