A new project aiming to divert small electrical items from landfill through its reuse and repair initiative launches in Victoria this week.
Bright Sparks is a not-for-profit social enterprise and a registered charity based within a workshop in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, which will open for business on Tuesday 18 August. As part of its vision “to eliminate electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in Australia”, it focuses on reusing and repairing unwanted or broken small appliances, and recycling anything that cannot be mended.
Melburnians will be able to donate functioning or faulty small electricals to it, either at its workshop in Hadfield or through donation points throughout Melbourne. They will be refurbished, and then either sold on in its shop or donated to people in need.
The enterprise will also offer a repair service for those who want to have their broken items fixed.
From September 2015, Bright Sparks will sell refurbished kitchen appliances, household appliances and electronics, as well as lamps given a new lease of life with vintage fabrics. All products will be tested and tagged, and come with a warranty.
The social enterprise has secured funding from the Victorian Government (through the Metropolitan Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund) and Moreland, Boroondara, Darebin, Whittlesea and Yarra councils. It is scheduled to run at least until March 2016.
For more information visit www.brightsparksaustralia.com.