Tasmanians have saved an estimated $147 million through buying and selling secondhand goods in the 2023-24 financial year, a new study has found.
In a Tasmanian first, the Tasmanian Reuse Impact Study was undertaken by not-for-profit organisation, Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board.
The study captured environmental, economic and social impacts of charitable and commercial reuse organisations in Tasmania.
Pam Allan, Chair of the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board said the study results would support further initiatives of reuse and repair as key drivers of the circular economy.
“The study has provided a great insight into the reuse sector in Tasmania,” said Allan.
“A key finding of the study was that the volume of reuse in the state was estimated to be 13.9 million items throughout the 2023-24 financial year. That’s 24 items or 19.3 kilograms per Tasmanian.
“Most of those items, approximately 90 per cent, were reused within the state with the rest exported and reused.”
Other key findings from the study include; reuse organisations have rehomed 13.9 million secondhand items, reinvested $8.3 million raised into social and community programs and diverted an estimated 11,000 tonnes of products from landfill to reuse.
Allan said the study has also had a significant impact on employment, with the sector generating paid employment for people totalling about 414 full-time jobs.
“The study also found that the sector supported cost of living relief, saving Tasmanians an estimated $147 million through selling and providing secondhand goods compared to buying items new,” she said.
“These study results will help guide future Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board initiatives, helping to lead Tasmania to be a place where nothing is wasted.”
Omer Soker, Chief Executive Officer of Charitable Reuse Australia said Tasmanians have a wonderful culture of reuse and caring for the environment and society.
“Whenever Australians donate a quality item or buy something pre-loved from a charity shop, they make a massive impact socially and environmentally,” said Soker.
“Additionally, they find something unique to cherish.”
For more information, visit: wrr.tas.gov.au
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