Published: 15 December 2022

Why not get crafty this Christmas and turn someone’s trash into treasure?

From bikes that look brand new to quirky baby highchairs, there’s all sorts of second-hand treasures at Surf Beach, Moruya and Brou waste facility Buy Back Shops.

Council staff re-stock the shop each day with pre-loved items. Casual shop attendant Nathan Cullen was amazed by the things people chuck out.

“There’s brand new car parts and new blinds, even an electronic safe still in its packaging,” he said.

“There’s a lot of fishing rods, surfboards and building materials which are all fast sellers.”

Last week, regular customers Jeff and Lyn McMahon picked up a trolley-full of Christmas presents for $50 as well as a load of free mulch. The McMahon family do Christmas differently.

“It’s our family tradition to only give presents that are recycled or something we’ve made,” Lyn said.

Lyn loves to find tiles and materials for mosaics, while Jeff finds quirky things to upcycle.

It’s not just about a bargain or interesting finds, but also spending quality time with your loved ones when exploring the shop.

The Buy Back Shops are open from

If you feel some items you’re taking to the tip could have a second life, mention it at the weighbridge.

Get in quick, the Surf Beach Buy Back Shop will be closed between Monday 26 December and Wednesday 4 January. For opening hours and fees, visit our waste webpage.

With visitors arriving for the summer holidays, delays at Council’s waste facilities are expected. Please leave plenty of extra time when visiting, especially at Council’s busiest facility at Surf Beach.

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