August 24, 2025
Demand for fast fashion undermines op shop efforts to keep stuff out of landfill
www.abc.net.au
Consumers are increasingly turning to second-hand stores to find a bargain as they grapple with rising costs. A researcher says the sustainable practice is being voided by a rise in fast-fashion shoppers.
"Lately, we're averaging around 500 to 600 recycled mattresses every month. You can imagine 8,000 mattresses piled up in landfill. We have guys here that will strip the mattress, take the steel out, get the foam out of it, and the foam will go down to Clark Rubber and be recycled into underlay. It's saving a lot." Site manager Reviva Noosa Mitchell McIntyre
Story: Jake Kearnan and Jessica Ross
Photo: Graeme Kendall is a loyal customer at his local Noosa tip shop. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)
Graeme Kendall rarely misses the opportunity to snap up a bargain.
He has been a loyal customer at his local tip shop for years and regularly digs out hidden treasures.
In an increasingly throwaway society, tip shops and second-hand stores are playing a vital role in keeping rubbish out of landfill.
However, as consumers turn toward e-commerce retailers like Shein and Temu that sell items at a very low cost, second-hand stores are being overwhelmed with donations of poor quality.
Finding quality items at a low price comes with the territory for experienced tip-shoppers like Mr Kendall.
Visits have not been as frequent since the retiree had a procedure on his eye last year.
“When I was right, about 12 months ago, I would come here every four to six weeks,” he said.
“I haven’t put it in yet but I’ve cut the hole in the deck so I can just walk out of my bedroom and get in the spa bath under the stars.”
Read the Full Story: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-24/op-shop-use-but-also-fast-fashion-on-rise-due-to-cost-of-living/105672094
Site manager Reviva Noosa Mitchell McIntyre
