5 easy ways that you can recycle through Vinnies this National Recycling Week

National Recycling Week is here, and it’s the perfect time to think about how we can all reduce waste. Through our range of recycling programs, we help turn old clothes, unused items, and even cooking oil into something better for the planet. Plus, we raise much-needed funds to support people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and poverty. If you’re looking for easy ways to recycle while doing good, we’ve got you covered!

What’s National Recycling Week all about?

If you didn’t know, National Recycling Week happens every year in November. Established by Planet Ark in 1996, the annual event is all about spreading the word on how we can each do our part in creating a more sustainable, circular economy.

A recent report by Charitable Reuse Australia showed just how much impact organisations like Vinnies have on reducing waste. In 2022-23 alone, over 107 million second-hand items were rehomed through charities like ours. That’s $243 million worth of goods given a new life and $51 million reinvested into programs that help people in need.

How Vinnies is making an impact:

At Vinnies, we’re all about giving pre-loved items a second chance. Last year, thanks to your amazing donations, we gave 3.9 million products a new home. From clothes to furniture, every item sold at Vinnies shops helps to reduce waste and raise funds to support our programs and services in the community.

We’ve also launched our Vinnies re/CYCLE range—homewares made from fabric scraps that would otherwise end up in landfill. Talk about eco-chic! These upcycled items make great additions to your home while doing good for the planet.

And we’re even helping with plastic recycling. Our ten Return & Earn depots around NSW have processed over half a billion beverage containers so far—reducing CO2 emissions, saving energy, and cutting down on water waste.

Plus, we’ve just launched our VUCOR program, which collects used cooking oil from restaurants and turns it into renewable fuel and animal feed. If you know any local restaurants or cafes, get chatting to them about joining the VUCOR scheme!

How YOU can help this National Recycling Week:

So, how can you get involved? Here are 5 easy ways to recycle with Vinnies and make a difference:

1. Shop pre-loved: Instead of buying new, check out our range of second-hand clothes, furniture, and homewares. Our stores are a treasure trove of great finds! Ready to make a difference? Sign up for a #prelovedpledge and join the movement towards a greener future.

2. Donate your quality items: Got clothing, accessories, or homewares you no longer need? Donate them to your local Vinnies shop—we’ll give them a second life and pass them on to someone else who’ll love them.

3. Add some eco-style to your home: Check out the Vinnies re/CYCLE range for beautiful homewares made from upcycled materials. From rugs to throws, we’ve got eco-friendly decor that’ll make your home look and feel great.

4. Recycle containers at Vinnies Return & Earn depots: Got bottles and cans? Drop them off at one of our Return & Earn depots across NSW. You can even donate the 10c refund to help support our community programs!

5. Volunteer your time: We have lots of volunteering opportunities at our shops, distribution centres, and Return & Earn depots. If you’ve got a few hours to spare, we’d love your help in making recycling efforts even bigger and better!