QLD tip shop diverts more than 53,000kg from landfills

More than 53,668 kilograms of items have been diverted from landfill in the first two months of Outlook Australia’s tip shop operations at Townsville City Council’s Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre in Queensland.

The tip shop has processed 3785 items so far between January and February – including 137 sales on its opening day.

Among the shop’s best-selling items are homeware products and DVDs.

Outlook has operated the Refindit brand of recycled goods shops since August 2025, consolidating its independent locations across Queensland and Victoria under the new name.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto applauded the local community for supporting the new facility.

“The community wanted the tip shop back, and they have welcomed it with open arms,” he said.

“From furniture and clothing to tools, building materials and everything you could possibly imagine in between – all up, more than 53,668 kilograms of items have not only found new homes but have also been saved from landfill.

“It’s great to see the community embracing sustainability, buying second-hand and repurposing things where possible.”

Dametto also praised Outlook Australia’s initiative for saving significant council money by diverting items from landfill in the face of increasing waste levy fees.

“Like all councils, we are actively working to reduce what ends up in landfill,” he said.

“By people giving these items a new lease on life, it has saved valuable space in our landfill and has equated to around a $5200 saving in waste levy charges.

“As a community it’s great to see people working together to limit what ends up in the ground, whether it be by donating second-hand items, sorting your waste, recyclables and green waste or by repurposing old items – every little bit counts.”

Outlook Australia Retail Development Manager Danielle Werner said the first two months partnering with Townsville City Council’s Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre had been an exciting time for Refindit.

“We had the pleasure of meeting so many members of the community on the opening day,” Werner said.

“We can’t wait to continue providing these recycled goods to the community and work towards a more sustainable future together.”