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“Every sale bangs a nail” – a saying that runs true when it comes to the Hamilton Habitat for Humanity Lincoln St Reuse Centre. That’s because all funds raised from items sold at the centre go towards Habitat for Humanity’s work focusing on housing need.

Located where the Dump Shop used to be at the Refuse Transfer Station, the Reuse Centre provides an opportunity for Hamiltonians to divert reusable items at the point of landfill.

The store is run by Habitat for Humanity Central Region who are an all charity partner of EnviroWaste who took over operation of the Refuse Transfer Station as part of the Hamilton City Council kerbside collection contract on 31 August 2020.

The Lincoln St Centre is Habitats second Reuse Centre, following the success of the first store which opened in Taupo in 2018.

Habitat for Humanity Central Region CEO Nic Greene says Habitat Restores and Reuse Centres work on the generosity of our donors.

“At our Reuse Centres, we consider all goods like furniture, household, outdoor, DIY, whiteware, clothing and linen, construction material and other things. If you are not sure, come and talk to our staff. We also work with EnviroWaste to help recover certain items that have been taken directly to the landfill” he says.

Donors can pull up at our inwards goods area, where they will be greeted by a member who assess what we can save from landfill for sale. As quickly as possible, items are priced and put out for sale, at a great price.

“Our loyal shoppers visit to get a bargain, find a treasure or something they need, and in turn they’re helping to support our work towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

The centre has been open for more than three weeks now, and the inventory is already impressive, and is always changing with new items donated by residents and businesses daily. There is standard pricing for a lot of items – for example, adults’ clothing is always $2, unless priced.

Nic Greene- says none of this would be possible without volunteers who are the heart of Habitat.

“They can help us in multiple ways like donating goods, volunteering at the store or assisting drivers with donation pickup and drop offs.”

The best way to look for volunteer roles at Habitat charity shops is through Volunteer Waikato website. There is no minimum time requirement, volunteering can take as little as two hour per week.

Hamilton City Council City Water Compliance Manager Trent Fowles says the Reuse store supports the Council’s 2018-2024 Waste Minimisation Management Plan, which aims to achieve a 10% reduction in the per capita amount of rubbish to landfill and a 10% increase in the per capita amount of material diverted from landfill within four years.

“Along with the new kerbside service, the Reuse store also encourages residents to minimise their waste”

Instead of throwing unwanted items into landfill, you can donate them to the store, with all funds going towards a good cause – and it won’t cost you a thing.” Says Mr Fowles.

To find out more about Habitat for Humanity and the Lincoln St Reuse Store visit their website  and Facebook page.

You can also visit fightthelandfill.co.nz for information on the new kerbside service and for all other things rubbish and recycling.

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