Bower Reuse Referral Service
A snapshot of Reuse enterprises
This brief randomly selected list shows the type of organisations and businesses the Bower
has on its Reuse Referral database. The list is not an endorsement of these enterprises, but
an indication of the sort of people out there working in reuse, repair and recycling. The
Bower refers to over 1000 organisations including charities, secondhand shops, community
and recycling services
(PLEASE NOTE: The Bower may still be able to accept goods in many of these categories,
but where it is unable to, will refer customers onto other solutions, such as those shown
below.)
Building Materials
Fountains, lights, fire places, doors, led light windows, gates, balustrades are all the sorts
of secondhand goods that Orlando and Brown Antique and Decor will accept, so long as
they are reasonably good condition. They also a repair service for damaged items that
customer want fixed. Collections and deliveries are offered, and they will buy or accept
donations of appropriate items from 10am to 6pm weekdays.
If you're interested in buying salvaged building materials and elements you might also try;
Terrace House
www.terracehousefactory.com.au
The Heritage Building Centre
Computers
With much upgrading occurring there is much demand for places to take superseded
computer equipment. When the Bower is too full with computers we suggest the following
people, amongst many others, who might be able to assist.
Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD), Phone: 9808 2022
Computerbank NSW Phone: 4961 3095,
Work Ventures Phone: 8337 4000
Dolls
In the business of repairing, buying and selling old and new dolls, rocking horses, prams,
teddy bears, is the Doll Repair Centre. A one woman show, Mary Reeman, specialises in
antiques rather than reproductions, although she has had some success in repairing plastic
and mechanical dolls. Although not able to do collections she will accept donations. Hours
in the Kings Place store are Weekdays 10am to 2pm with Sat being 9.30am to 12.15pm.
Phone: 9502 2999
Everything
The web based Freecycle is like an online dating agency for unwanted goods. You list the
goods you are happy to give away, or alternatively the items you’d like to obtain. It is sort
of like Ebay but no money changes hands, the products are freely provided. Also operating
in Sydney’s South, North and the Southern Highlands
groups.yahoo.com/group/freecycle_sydneycentral
You might also try www.yoink.com, another internet swap site.
Furniture
If the Bower is overstocked in small retro furniture items and 50’s bric-a-brac, then we
might suggest somewhere like the St. Vincent De Paul Society in Abercrombie Street,
Chippendale. They also are happy to take vintage style clothing too. But they shy away from
goods like built-in wardrobes, electricals and whitegoods. Give them a try around 11am to
6.30pm weekdays. Phone 9699 6167
You might also try the Salvation Army. In most cases they'll pick up your unwanted furniture
items, or provide you with just what you were looking for as a second hand buyer. Find your
nearest Salvos at
www.salvos.org.au/salvosstores
Garden Materials
If you have garden or landscape materials surplus to your needs, then Andrew O’Sullivan &
Associates may be able to assist. They salvage the likes of pot plants, building materials,
timber, stone and pavers. These are used for landscaping of schools, council streetscapes
and personal residences, as well as for waste education programs.
Printer Cartridges
One of the many businesses in this field is Cartridge Works in Rozelle, who recycle ink
cartridges on behalf of Planet Ark. Drop off your donations there, and pick up replacement
remanufactured cartridges or refills. Weekdays 9am to 5.30pm and Sat 9am to 12 noon.
Phone: 9818 1600 or Web;
You might also try SCRAP for cartridge recycling
Toys
The Toy Restoration Centre In Jannali restore toys for charitable purposes. Senior citizen
volunteers repair the toys to be donated to disadvantaged children. Some are sold to help
cover cost. They are happy to take wooden toys, books, games and puzzles but avoid soft
toys. Last year they gave away 6,000 toys. Open Monday to Thursday 9am to 1.30pm.
Phone: 9528 4024
Removalists
Whether you're moving up the road or accross town, you might want to consider working
wth people who share your concern for the environment.
Citymove has certified as NoCO2 carbon neutral business with the Carbon Reduction
Institute. A NoCO2 certified business has a valid claim to carbon neutrality. Under the
NoCO2 program, businesses calculate their carbon footprint, then investigate reducing their
emissions wherever possible and finally offset any unavoidable carbon emissions through the
purchase of carbon credits. Minimising environmental impact is a goal that informs every
part of the Citymove service.
Sydney Furniture Removals are another option - With a packing service that uses butchers
wrap paper and carboard cartons. Sydney Furniture Removals buy back boxes from their
clients and then sell them again on the next job. Old boxes that are not good enough to
sell again get torn up into pieces and put back into out packing materials service for reused
as stuffing.
www.sydneyfurnitureremovals.com.au
Back to Reuse Referral Service
Contact details updated 05.05.2010