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Creating value and jobs from Australia’s dormant goods

Last updated: Feb 8, 2021

Summary

The World's Biggest Garage Sale (WBGS) is a social enterprise that is mobilising dormant goods, revolutionising the 'recommerce' or reverse commerce sector, keeping valuable items out of landfill and providing jobs and opportunities to those in need.

Their events, marketplace and online store give people a new way to access high-quality ‘second life’ products. They have just recently launched a Circular Economy Precinct in the suburb of Morningside in Brisbane where goods are repaired and repurposed.

Problem

Australian homes are currently sitting on $43 billion of underutilised goods which are at risk of ending up in landfill.

Solution

WBGS aims bring value to dormant goods by making repurposing as easy as possible. Both individuals and businesses can be part of this impact. Individuals can donate goods to be resold and they also partner with big corporations to make use of what would otherwise have been waste. Core to the model and value of WBGS is jobs creation. One of their aims is to have 50% of their precinct workforce be vulnerable Australians by 2021.

Outcome

Since launching seven years ago, WBGS has kept 4.3 million kilograms of goods out of landfill and created value for these unwanted goods through selling or donating goods to local charities. They estimate $2.2 million in social impact value.