How Does The Bower Obtain Its Goods?
At our discretion, we accept donations at our retail store, arrange collections from donating
premises and 'mine' the local council household clean-ups.
What Resources Does The Bower Collect?
We take most household goods in good, reusable condition. Furniture, electrical appliances
(when we have room and only in going order), some whitegoods, bric-a-brac, office items, even
fireplaces, stained glass windows, and sheds to name some of the items. For various public
health and OH&S reasons and/or space constraints we cannot collect everything. For example
we do not take older computers, building rubble, mattresses, kid's Items like cots and prams,
nor clothes or books. Call for a current list of those items we may not, at the time, be able to
collect. We do however have a list of other options that might be useful.
Where Does The Bower Collect From?
We collect from 4 main zones, involving the 13 councils that make up this region.
Monday Zone 1 South (Earlwood to George's River approx.)
Tuesday Zone 2 Local (Belmore to St Peters approx.)
Wednesday * Alternative Weeks *
Zone 3 North West (Ashfield to Chiswick, approx)
Zone 4 East (Redfern to Bondi/Maroubra approx)
Who Operates / Runs The Bower?
As a cooperative the members (the community) own and ultimately control the assets of the
Bower. They elect the voluntary Board of Directors, who employ an on-site coordinator, who
employs the staff for sales, repairs and resource collection. Members also provide voluntary
work and support the aims of the Bower. We also have a never-ending flow of volunteers on
various programs like Green Reserve, Community Service Orders and Work for the Dole.
What the Bower is Not!
We are a totally independent organisation. We are not related to Reverse Garbage, although
our aims are similar. We are not part of any council, though we work with many and we are not
directly government assisted, although we do apply for grants. Oh, yeah and contrary to a
listing in the phone book we are not rubbish removalists.
Where Does The Money Go?
Sales help cover operational costs, so we can continue to divert resources from landfill. We are
a registered cooperative and charity. Any excess funds (we wish!) go directly to the running of
the centre and providing more community reuse and local employment. Currently funds are
absorbed mostly by operations and insurances.
Why Is The Bower Also A Repair Centre?
The Bower actively encourages a "repair culture" within the community. At the Bower, most
items go straight onto the floor of our re-sale shop, as much so-called ‘waste’ is in fully useable
condition. The Bower tests electrical appliances for safety, before re-sale, making minor
repairs as needed. The Bower can make minor repairs to furniture. Please check with our
resident carpenter for a quote first.
Has The Bower Any Special Projects?
Currently with the support of 11 councils we are offering a Reuse Referral Service, to help
customers locate other reuse organisations who might accept goods the Bower is unable to
accept. Previously we've developed a line of remanufactured products from discarded products
and materials. So far we have made saucepan pot racks from bicycle wheels; light shades from
venetian blinds and coat hangers; light stands from snow skis and motorbike helmets; trestle
tables with legs from old doors and sofa frames; lamps from ex-army circuit boards; coffee
tables from bike rims and cranks. We have more innovative designs on the way as well. Drop by
for a look. We also visit primary and secondary schools, working with students to create Eco
Snap Shots (environmental audits) of their schools, as part of a Sustainable Schools consortium
with S.C.R.A.P.
What Is Special About The Building?
The Bower building is an excellent example of sustainable building practice in itself. We
operate from the first strawbale building in Sydney, a 258sqm passive solar design warehouse.
600 strawbales make up the ‘infill’ walls, and the insulation is superb. Otherwise, the building
used fully recycled materials in its construction: load-bearing posts recovered from demolition
sites, roof trusses from an RPAH refurbishment, 5,000 secondhand bricks, second hand roof
sheeting, and all doors and windows were salvaged from so-called ‘waste’ on Sydney streets.
Does The Bower Practice What It Preaches?
My Lordy, we do. Nearly every fixture and fitting you see In the centre Is reused. Our till,
computers, phones, fax, photocopier, printer, fridge, microwave, kettle, staff amenities,
filing, shelving, display cabinets, tools and equipment, etc have all been rescued from a trip to
the tip. We use our rain water tank for washing, we recycle what we are able to for example
our scrap metal to a recycler. And there are plans to also reduce our carbon emissions further
through recycling and composting more of our waste. We employ local people, many of whom
walk or cycle to work.
Are There Benefits In Being A Member?
Of course! Members are sent an email newsletter, normally once a month, advising what
unusual things are in store. They may vote on changes to the constitution, electing the Board of
Directors and steering the direction of the enterprise. Their membership card entitles them to a
cash discount even without doing extra voluntary hours. This is equal to the initial cost of
membership less the GST. Though members who do complete the equivalent of 8 hours
volunteer work over a 12 months period are entitled to a 20% discount on all purchases (except
Consignment), as well as submitting goods for consignment sale and having access to the
workshops.
AND both Bower and Alfalfa House members get 10% off any purchase made from both coops!
The pro's just keep on comin'.
Can I Pay With Something Other Than Cash?
Yes. We have EFTPOS facilities for Bankcard, Mastercard and VisaCard transactions. We accept
cheques - with 2 other forms of identification. We have a 'Hold' policy of 20% down and
collection within 3 days. We have also a special Props Hire service (see below), where goods are
hired for 125% of their value.
Does The Bower Deliver?
Yes, we can deliver items with our 2 tonne truck. We deliver to the same zones noted above for
'collections' on those same days. Zone 2 is $25, with Zones 1, 3 & 4 being $35 and $50 for Items
deemed Extra Heavy or Awkward by Bower staff. We do not deliver (or collect) up or down
flights of stairs. For the same OH&S reasons we do not deliver big awkward items like pianos or
large sheets of glass. We cannot set a delivery time but the truck driver can call ahead with an
approximate delivery time on the day. We have the contact details of friendly, economical
removals services for times (or areas) when we cannot help.
Can I Hire Items for Use as a Prop in A Stage, TV or Film Production?
Yes, we have a props hire facility. It requires a 100% security deposit (the marked price of the
Item) plus 25% hire. This is valid for up to 1 month, with longer periods on negotiation. The
100% (original item price) will be direct deposited into the hirer's account within 2 weeks the
return of undamaged goods. The total buying price must be $100 to be available for prop hire.
There is a minimum that the total items Prop buyers for productions, ranging from the Matrix,
Star Wars and Little Fish to product commercials to the local theatre company, come to the
Bower looking for that unique hard-to-find gizmo.
Can You Answer My Other Questions?
We'll do our best. Call us on 9568 6280 or email: info@bower.org.au General enquiries
reuse@bower.org.au Reuse Referral Service