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6 November 2009
New Second Hand Shop for Byron Shire
Byron Shire Council’s waste and recycling services manager Russell Chaplin said the new second hand recycling centre is expected to divert approximately 400 tonnes per year out of landfill.
“In addition to the landfill savings, the project will provide low cost goods to the community, supports the recycling of goods and provide employment for 2 to 3 people.
“Residents will also save money as they will be able to drop off their recycled goods prior to entering the transfer station to dispose of rubbish.”
The second hand shop was originally identified in Council’s Waste Strategy and planned for 2011.
Council sought to bring the project forward and recently resolved to add the project to the current year’s work program.
Mr Chaplin said Council would setup and operate the facility for the first 12 months with the help of a suitably qualified contractor. It is anticipated that the facility will cost approximately $100,000 to setup.
He said expressions of interests would soon be called for suitably qualified people to help with the final design, setup and fit-out of the shop and operational procedures.
The facility will include a shed, outdoor compound and be located adjacent to the existing recycling drop off area prior to entering the weighbridge station.
Mr Chaplin said at this stage the type of goods to be available at the second hand shop is unknown and will depend on the nature of waste that comes through and the demand of the community.
“Staff will be positioned at the shop site to receive goods, plus salvage goods from the transfer station and at the landfill tip face where the skips are emptied.”
After a year of operation, Byron Shire Council will review the value of the Second Hand Shop and consider putting the facility up for tender.
Thanks to the efforts of residents and businesses in Byron Shire, currently more than 45% of all material received at the Myocum Waste and Recycling Centre is recycled. Since July this year, plastics numbered from 1 to 7 (excluding polystyrene) can be placed in the yellow-lidded recycling bins for fortnightly collection. Other opportunities for recycling include the annual kerbside cleanup and Byron Shire residents can drop off electronic waste items at the Myocum facility free of charge.
Media Contact: Donna Johnston
Media Communications Officer
Byron Shire Council
Ph: 02 6626 7320
Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.
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