Every item we keep in use for longer saves valuable resources and helps create a more sustainable community.
Have an item you no longer need? If it’s in good condition, think about whether it could have another life. There are plenty of ways to pass it on, repair it or even make some extra cash. Here are some prompting questions:
- Can I sell this?
- Could someone else use it?
- Can it be repaired?
- Could I upcycle or repurpose it?
Use the Inner West Reuse and Repair Map to find places near you.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got plenty of ideas and local resources to help make it easy!
One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure! List your items on online marketplaces:
- Facebook Marketplace – Great for local buyers and sellers or giver away for free
- Local Facebook groups like ‘Inner West Pay it Forward (PIF)’ and ‘Street Bounty Inner West’
- Depop – Perfect for second-hand fashion
- Gumtree – Sell or give away for free
- eBay – Best for valuable or collectible items
- Freecycle – Give away for free
- Come and Get It – Give away for free
If you'd rather pass it on, consider donating to a local charity or reuse organisation. Always check with them directly before dropping off.
- Op shops – Give clothes, books, and household items another life
- Re Place (Inner West Sustainability Hub) – Donate your clothing and textiles so they don’t end up in landfill
- Dress for Success (Inner West Sustainability Hub) – Support women returning to the workplace by donating excellent quality professional clothing
- Lifeline Book Depot – Rehome good-quality books
- Revolve Recycling , Bower Bikes or Bike Shed – donate your unused bicycle
- The Reconnect Project – Pass on mobile devices and laptops to be repaired and given to people in need
- Reverse Garbage and The Bower – check what items they accept for donation.
Not sure what’s needed? GIVIT and ReCheck connects donors with charities looking for specific items – check their website for the latest requests.
- Inner West Tool Library – Borrow more than just tools – drills, tents, sewing machines, party supplies, projectors and electrical, pressure washers and more.
- The Volte – Borrow or share your designer dress and earn money.
- Too Good to Go – Rescue a surprise bag of food from your local store or restaurant.
- Host a swap party – Swap reusable clothes, kitchen ware, toys and more with your friends, family or community group. Try this instead of buying new gifts at Christmas.
Even if something is damaged or broken, it might still have life left in it! Get creative and breathe new life into old items:
- Inner West Sustainability Hub – Join a workshop and learn new skills, repair and upcycling skills
- The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre – Repair furniture, bikes, and electronics
- Reverse Garbage – Find upcycling materials and inspiration
Check where to recycle certain items whether it’s in your kerbside yellow lid bin or a local service.
- A-Z: What goes where? – check which items are accepting in your kerbside bins.
- Homecycle doorstep recycling – recycling service for hard-to-recycle items like soft plastics, textiles and e-waste. The service is available to all residents at no additional cost.
- Drop offs and Recycling Centres – recycling options for electronics, chemicals, bulky households items and more.
- Recycle Mate – download the app for easy to access information.
- Recycling Near You – check recycling options for home or work.