Revamped tip shop to open July 1

Council's tip shop will close for a month from June 1 while new operator Resource Recovery Australia (RRA) gives the site a revamp.

The tip shop will reopen on July 1 under the new name Reviva, with local resident Lucy Yule as manager.

The former teacher, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast, said she was looking forward to bringing residents quality products for sale, plus access to RRA’s successful recycling programs.

“I have already met with some other Noosa not-for-profit groups who are also interested in looking after the environment, enabling disadvantaged people, and providing education about sustainability,” Ms Yule said.

Not-for-profit RRA partners with local community groups to salvage and up-cycle goods that would otherwise wind up in landfill. It also provides education and training opportunities.

“Resource Recovery Australia already have a great model that they use in tips around Australia to benefit the communities in which they operate so it is great that they will be sharing this knowledge with us.”

RRA’s community programs include workshops to teach residents how to repair furniture, bicycles and other household items to spare them from landfill.

While the shop is closed for the revamp, residents can still drop off good quality used items that still have life left in them or will do with basic repairs.

Waste Manager Wayne Schafer said Council was currently looking for a new structure to replace the old office building on the site, which the former tip shop operator Briteside sold and removed at the end of their lease.

Mr Schafer said Council was pleased to partner with RRA to improve recycling, reuse and waste diversion efforts.

“RRA is an expert in this field and we estimate they will substantially increase the recovery of items otherwise headed for landfill to help us meet ambitious state targets,” he said.

Ms Yule is no stranger to waste and recycling initiatives, volunteering and caring for the environment.

She is involved in Surfrider’s Double Island Point beach clean-ups and volunteers with groups such as St Vincent de Paul, Noosa Parks Association and Zero Emissions Noosa.

“There is a lot of interest on the Sunshine Coast to see a more circular economy – we can’t wait to be part of that,” she said.

30 May 2018