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