Use our Reuse Impact Calculator now to discover the CO2 emissions savings you can achieve by shopping second-hand. Learn the impact of your purchases to make informed choices.
Our members
KG of weight diverted from landfill
CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere
Energy not used in the production process
Each year, Australia’s op shops divert over 1 million tonnes of waste from landfill
That’s around 39 kg of waste per person/per year, which is equivalent to the weight of a baby calf
Every item you buy second-hand diverts 13.9kg of CO2 emissions from reaching our atmosphere
Unlike the traditional linear economy, where products are produced, used, and disposed of, the circular economy is a continuous cycle where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. In this system, op shops play a pivotal role by extending the lifespan of pre-loved clothing and other goods through resale.
What we collect is often reused through charity and recycled domestically. By giving these items a second chance, reuse and op shops reduce the need for new production, conserving valuable resources like water, energy, and raw materials.
When people like you choose to buy donated items at your local op shops, and donate your old items in return, the cycle is complete.
Items that are no longer in use find new owners, fostering a sustainable cycle where clothing waste is kept to a minimum. By choosing second-hand items over new, you’re actively participating in this sustainable solution while reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global pollution and waste?
In Australia alone, millions of garments end up in landfills each year. When people like you donate pre-loved clothes to op shops, you extend the lifespan of each garment.
Every purchase you make from a charity shop reduces the demand for new clothing production. In turn, this conserves precious resources and raw materials—saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and conserving water resources.
By giving these items a second life through op shop donations and purchases, you can help to significantly reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in our environment, preserving our planet for future generations.
We believe that young people like you can help shape a better, more sustainable world. Join us in volunteering, participating, and making a real impact in your community. Through your support, we can enhance the social fabric of Australia and help others follow in our footsteps to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Click the button below to apply for a volunteer position now.
Op shops go beyond their environmental benefits; they also make a profound social impact. By choosing to shop at your local op shop, you become an advocate for positive change, and your dollars go directly towards supporting your local community.
Charitable Recycling Australia is the collective network of charitable purpose-driven reuse and recycling enterprises. We drive and support the collective network of 3,000+ charity and social enterprise retailers as leaders in reuse, recycling and circularity. These enterprises work tirelessly to divert reusable items from landfills and generate funding for charitable causes.
Our mission is to raise awareness about the environmental and social benefits of shopping at charity shops, empowering you to make a difference through your everyday choices.
Let’s break any remaining stigma surrounding charity shops and recognise that active participation in the community is a badge of honour we can all wear proudly.
It’s time to experience the thrill of discovering unique, pre-loved clothing. Embrace a more mindful way of shopping. You never know what one-of-a-kind treasure you might find next.
