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 Architectural Heritage of Glebe 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. Phone: 9660 0100 or Web:
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With much upgrading occurring there is much demand for places to take superseded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 www.technicalaidnsw.org.au, Computerbank NSW Phone:
4961 3095, http://www.cbnsw.org.au/ and Work Ventures Phone: 8337 4000,
www.workventures/connectit.com.au
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 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
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 or Web: www.vinnies.org.au
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. Web:
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; www.cartridgeworks.com.au
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