Reverse garbage

Ever wonder where things like excess (brand new) plastic containers, craft supplies, fabric samples and even big street banners and giant industrial displays go to when they die?

Not the landfill, surprisingly.

Well, I suppose most do, but a large amount also goes to Reverse Garbage.

This is what they had to say for themselves:

Reverse Garbage is a not-for-profit co-operative that sells industrial discards, off-cuts and over-runs to the public for creative and practical uses, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

We are well known and respected in the education, community and arts sectors for our huge variety of materials, including; perspex, cloth, ceramic tiles, closed-cell foam and foam sheeting, stickers, cardboard, wood, hessian sacks, paper rolls, bubble wrap, toys, craft supplies and dozens of other useful items.

I visited Reverse Garbage about a month ago when I read about it in a magazine. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that its "offices" were located on the grounds of a old military barracks and a market springs up on the premises every Sunday!

Unfortunately, that last visit was interesting, but less than fruitful. There was nothing of interest at Reverse Garbage and the market stalls were closing (they close at 2pm). I did get a two-player board game for $2, but that was about it.

But I really loved the atmosphere of the place. It was very alternative - most of the food sold were organic, and had a very family and community feel to it. Not to mention the fact that there were real life hippies, as opposed to wannabes like me.

And because I loved it so much, I had to return. And the trip two days ago was probably the highlight of my Queen's birthday long weekend.

The lovely atmosphere was still there and this time, there were a bunch of young adults busking, with music that transported me to a medieval court.

The food stalls were all open this time, and I got the most delicious plate of char kway teow - a great reminder of home. And for those who don't know, this is a miracle in itself. Seven years in Australia and I had yet to find a good plate of char kway teow in this country. That plate of char kway teow was enough to make it a highlight.

But no, that stall also sold chai tow kway! It must be the only stall in the whole of Australia that did (in my knowledge anyway)!

Ironical that the chef was not Asian, but...

Tastebuds satisfied, I decided to poke into Reverse Garbage again and found some great stuff:


Metres of elastic band that will probably serve as hair tie for me for the rest of my life.

Some cute buttons and the little ring bits that I will soon transform into earrings (watch this space).

All for the low low price of $2.

If you're ever in the Sydney region, I highly recommend visiting Reverse Garbage. And do so on a Sunday, you'll never be the same again.