Tasmanians have saved an estimated $147 million by choosing second-hand over brand new in the past financial year, according to a new report.
The Tasmanian Reuse Impact Study, the first of its kind in the state, found locals rehomed nearly 14 million pre-loved items during 2023–24, equivalent to 24 items per person.
Conducted by Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board (TWRRB), the research looked at the economic, environmental and social benefits of the state’s growing reuse sector.
TWRRB Chair Pam Allan said about 90% of the 14 million items stayed in Tasmania, with the rest being exported and reused elsewhere.
“The study has provided a great insight into the reuse sector in Tasmania,” she said.
“It has also had a significant impact on employment, with the sector generating paid employment for people totalling approximately 414 full time jobs.”
The report estimates the items diverted 11,000 tonnes of material from landfill.
It also estimates that, on average, each Tasmanian rehomed 19.3 kilograms of goods through the state’s 172 reuse shops over the year.
Charitable Reuse Australia CEO Omer Soker applauded the community’s strong commitment to sustainability.
“Whenever Australians donate a quality item or buy something pre-loved from a charity shop, they make a massive impact socially and environmentally,” he said.
The report also revealed that charity shops put $8.3 million raised through second-hand sales back into local community programs.
It flagged several areas for improvement too, including better volunteer recruitment, local textile recycling initiatives and more government-backed education campaigns on what makes a suitable donation.
