Tip shop explained

A tip shop is a type of shop which primarily sells goods and materials which have been diverted from going to landfill, or have been donated from the public. Tip shops are usually run as not-for-profit enterprises, and in many cases, are operated by local councils or community organisations.[1] Tip shops are also known as recycle shops, reuse shops, or dump shops. These kinds of shops are found in Australia,[2] New Zealand,[3] and the United Kingdom.[4]

The motives for operating a tip shop relate mainly to the diversion of useful products and materials from being buried in landfill, and instead sold back to the community, facilitating a circular economy. In some instances, the proceeds from these shops are donated to charity.[5] Tip shops could be described as a kind of variety store, with many types of products such as furniture, toys, books, and appliances in these shops. They appeal particularly to bargain hunters, and those looking for DIY opportunities.[6]

Some tip shops are staffed by volunteers, whereas others have paid employees. Some are also run as a hobby by the operator.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Hesse . Annie . Tip Shop reopens . 14 July 2024 . Katherine Times . 19 September 2023.
  2. News: Ham . Larissa . Tip shops can save items that are too good for landfill from going to waste . 14 July 2024 . ABC News . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 4 July 2024.
  3. News: Green . Kate . Wellington's tip shop marks 25 years of trash into treasure . 14 July 2024 . RNZ . 2 December 2022.
  4. News: Paige . Maddie . Rubbish turns to treasure in tip's reuse shop . 14 July 2024 . BBC News . British Broadcasting Corporation . 10 March 2024.
  5. News: Cooper . Lucy . Recycling shop in tiptop shape . 14 July 2024 . Wairarapa Times-Age . 27 April 2023.
  6. News: Thomas . Maddie . $10 for a table and eight chairs: why tip shops are Australia’s DIY treasure troves . 14 July 2024 . The Guardian . 28 January 2024.
  7. News: Pattison . Talia . Leeton Landfill Recycling Shop playing an important role . 14 July 2024 . The Irrigator . 15 August 2022.