Update — See Results to January 2007.
Got Stuff You No Longer Want?
Call our new Reuse Referral Service. If the Bower is unable to take your pre-loved goods (for
various reasons) then we will dig into our database of near 1000 other organisations in Sydney
that deal in secondhand goods. Hopefully we'll find a selection of businesses who can help you
with your unwanted goods.
Are These Other Enterprises Related to the Bower?
No, they are independent of the Bower. Their structure is likely to be different to that of the
Bower. They might be charities, non-profit or for-profit businesses. But they do share our
fondness for reusing, repairing or recycling goods instead of sending to the tip. The Bower
receives no kick-back, no commission, no financial benefit at all from the referrals. Click here
to see examples.
How, if the Bower Gets No Money Back, Can it Afford to Provide this Service?
It can't. So the project is supported only with the generous assistance of 11 of Sydney's 44
municipal councils; Ashfield, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hurstville, Leichhardt, Marrickville,
Randwick, Rockdale, Sydney, Waverley, and Woollahra. By offering alternatives to residents,
the project reduces the tonnage of household ‘waste’ they currently truck away to the tip.
The Bower wishes to acknowledge and appreciatively thank these councils for their kind
support of this service. Links to these councils can be found below.
[But just to clarify a common misconception, the Bower is not owned, managed or financed by
any council. Other than this one project, the Bower remains an independent community-based
organisation, who funds itself mostly by sales through the shop.]
So What Sort of Things Might These Enterprises Take?
Pretty much anything. From Windows to washing machines. Scrap metal to stoves. Books to
bricks. Computers to couches. Toys to tea cups.
Why Doesn't The Bower Want This Sort of Stuff.
Sometimes they are items we don't normally take anyhow, like washing machines - because we
can't test their wash cycles. Or maybe we normally do take them, but at the time of the call
they are simply excess to the limited space we have to store them. For example, we might
just have too many sofas at the same time as you need to divest yourself of one. So we'll have
a look on the database for places near to you that might want sofas.
Hasn't the Bower Offered This Sort of Service Before?
Yes, we have done our best to be of assistance, but never had the people-power to check how
up-to-date the information was that we gave out. Nor did we have staff available to find
businesses not already on our list. With the support of the 11 councils we are able to do both
these tasks. And free up time for the shop staff to better serve our visiting customers.
Can you Guarantee These Other Enterprises Will Take my Unwanted Goods?
Alas no. We are only referring you on. We have no control over another business's day-to-day
operations. But we are continually double checking the entries on the database to ensure the
information we give out is as accurate as possible. But ultimately it is up to these other
businesses as to whether they can help you with your goods, in the manner that you require.
OK, Sounds Good, How Does It Work?
Ring the Bower, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, on 9568 6280 and speak with either
Richard or Sarita. They job share the position, and between them they will endeavour find a
new home for your newly unwanted item(s). Regardless of whether the Bower will take the
goods directly, or if we are referring you on elsewhere, Richard and Sarita will ask a few
simple questions like:
• what suburb are the goods in?
• roughly what volume are they
(ie, "is it a couple of milk crates worth, or would it fill a trailer?")
• how did you hear about the Bower?
Your answers will help councils decide if the project should receive further funding.
Why is the Bower Doing This?
Because our mission is to divert household 'waste' from the landfill. And although amongst the
worlds best paper and plastic recyclers, Australians generate more solid waste per capita than
nearly all other nationalities on the planet — only the USA and Canada throw away more stuff.
Can I Have My Enterprise Included On The Referral Database?
If your work is in the area of Reuse, Repair or Recycling, and you can assist the residents of
the councils mentioned above, then most likely it will be suitable for inclusion. Aside from the
usual address, phone number, email and web contacts we like a brief but informative
description of the business, plus trading hours, whether you pick-up, accept donations and/or
buy goods, etc. Please contact us to see if your business is appropriate for the Referral
Database.
Can I Ask The Bower About my Local Council's Waste and Recycling Policies?
You can ask, but this is not our area of expertise. Best to go directly to your council. Click
their name below for their website (in most cases we have linked directly to their waste
management information page) or give them a call on the number provided.
• Ashfield
Ph: 9716 1800
Ph: 1300 791 222
Ph: 1300 551 659
Ph: 1300 361 581
Ph: 9367 9222
Ph: 9335 2222
• Randwick
Ph: 1300 722 542
• Rockdale
Ph: 9562 1666
• Sydney
Ph: 9265 9333
• Waverley
Ph: 9369 8000
Ph: 9391 7000