Reverse Garbage Co-op

Specialties

Established in 1974, Reverse Garbage is Australia’s largest creative reuse centre.

Reverse Garbage accepts donations of valuable resources otherwise destined for landfill from the community, business, industry and government.

Children through to Seniors can take part in a variety of workshop classes aimed at teaching the principals of sustainability — specifically reuse — through creative and fun projects utilising reuse materials and waste minimisation construction techniques.

‘ReStore by Reverse Garbage’ is a service whereby furniture can be made, restored, upcycled and recovered for the home, office, events and functions.

‘ReCreate’ is a staff team of artists, designers and educators who are able to create decorations, art installations, props and costumes exclusively from reuse.

‘RePlay’ is a new service offered by Reverse Garbage to assist primary schools to introduce reuse playgrounds consisting of reuse items to foster creativity, problem-​solving and team building.

History

Established in 1974.

Reverse Garbage was founded by a group of teachers determined to help the environment by diverting industrial discards from landfill and by reusing materials in their classrooms.

Almost 40 years later, Reverse Garbage is now an internationally recognised, award-​winning environmental co-​operative committed to promoting sustainability through the reuse of resources available at its Marrickville warehouse, as well as providing support to other community, creative and educational organisations. This support is often in the form of donated materials, service-​in-​kind or small financial sponsorships.

Meet the Manager

Mantle N.

Manager

Narelle Mantle studied in the Arts at Sydney University and has been with Reverse Garbage, Australia’s largest creative reuse co-​operative, for over 10 years. Narelle is currently Chief Executive Officer at Reverse Garbage and through her vision and leadership has turned the 40 year old co-​operative into an internationally renowned, award-​winning environmental organisation which diverts approximately 40,000 cubic metres (or 100 football fields) of valuable resources.

Narelle lives and breathes creative reuse and is dedicated to supporting students, local artists, charities and community organisations through Reverse Garbage. Narelle also enjoys surfing and taking care of her cross Pomeranian Poodle, ‘Peanut’.