Furniture reuse initiative delivers environmental and social benefits
A furniture reuse initiative undertaken by Bedford Whyalla alongside Whyalla City Council’s Hard Waste Collection service is helping divert usable household items from landfill while supporting local households and creating employment and training opportunities for people with disability.
During July, approximately 955 kilograms of reusable furniture was recovered through the hard waste service and other donations.
Many items were cleaned, assessed and made available through affordable community sales, assisting local households. The initiative is estimated to have avoided approximately 97.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions and generated 27 hours of employment and training for Bedford’s supported employees.
Bedford Whyalla Operations Manager Barry Chilton said the early results demonstrated the broader value that could be achieved by identifying reusable items before they entered landfill.
“Furniture collected through the hard waste service is assessed, and items that remain in good, usable condition may be cleaned and prepared for affordable resale within the community,” Mr Chilton said.
“This approach helps extend the life of suitable furniture, provides meaningful work and training opportunities for our supported employees, and enables local households to access useful items at affordable prices.
“We are pleased with the initiative’s early outcomes and the environmental, social and economic benefits it is delivering for the Whyalla community.”
The initiative aims to:
- reduce the amount of reusable furniture sent to landfill;
- make suitable furniture available to local residents at affordable prices;
- generate additional employment and training opportunities for people with disability through Bedford; and
- support Council’s sustainability and waste-reduction objectives.
Whyalla City Council Waste Officer Charuka Sanduni said reuse formed an important part of reducing waste and supporting a more circular local economy.
“Reusing an item is generally preferable to disposing of it because it preserves the materials and resources already used to manufacture that product,” Ms Sanduni said.
“This initiative complements council’s existing hard waste service by identifying suitable items that may still have a useful second life.
“It demonstrates how collaboration can reduce waste sent to landfill while also delivering practical benefits for local households and creating employment opportunities within our community.”
The potential carbon savings from reuse vary according to an item’s type, materials and condition. As an indication, giving one kilogram of electrical or electronic equipment a second life can avoid approximately 18 kilograms of carbon emissions, while reusing one kilogram of a lounge suite can avoid approximately 30 kilograms of carbon emissions.
Information for residents
Bedford Whyalla is not a public drop-off facility, and furniture or other household items must not be left at the Bedford site without prior arrangement.
Residents who have furniture in good, reusable condition are encouraged to contact Bedford Whyalla before placing it into the hard waste stream. Bedford can assess whether an item may be suitable for resale or reuse and advise whether collection can be arranged.
Early assessment can reduce the risk of reusable furniture being damaged by weather, becoming contaminated or being removed before the scheduled hard waste collection.
Residents can contact Bedford Whyalla on embroidery@bedfordgroup.com.au or (08) 8647 7700 to discuss potentially suitable items. You can also keep an eye on Bedford's Facebook page for new arrivals!
Residents wishing to use Whyalla City Council’s Hard Waste Collection service should continue to follow Council’s usual booking and placement requirements.
