Published on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 9:36:05 AM
WA households saved an estimated $250 million over the past year by buying second-hand goods, while the state’s growing reuse economy supported more than 1300 jobs, according to a new report released this week.
The study – commissioned through the WA Waste Authority and prepared by Charitable Reuse Australia – found that Western Australians purchased more than 36 million pre-loved items in 2024/25, rather than choosing to buy new products.
By shopping at stores like Tamala Park’s Reuse Shop, it is estimated that Western Australians saved approximately $200 per household, while simultaneously diverting around 14,000 tonnes of valuable materials from landfill.
It is also estimated that more than 6,100 tonnes of virgin materials were preserved as a result of Western Australians choosing to reuse, while 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and 5,000 megalitres of water were also saved over the 12-month period.
According to the figures, WA’s reuse sector now supports more than 1,300 jobs, with over 350 of those roles – including positions created through Mindarie Regional Council’s partnership with Workpower – providing employment opportunities for people with disability.
The findings were published by the WA State Government to highlight the benefits of the Circular Economy, a model by which the life of existing products and materials is extended through repair, resale and reuse, rather than disposal to landfill.
The report comes as WA rapidly approaches its 2030 target of recovering 75 per cent of all waste generated in the Perth and Peel regions, with reuse initiatives expected to play a key role in achieving the goal.
Tamala Park Waste Management Facility – which has served communities in Perth’s northern corridor for nearly 35 years – has been earmarked as a potential hub for services focused on circular economy initiatives.
Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) – which operates the site on behalf of seven local government areas – has confirmed that existing services to the community (such as the Tamala Park Reuse Shop, free recycling to residents, and community bulk waste disposal) will remain in place as the landfill at Tamala Park reaches the end of its planned operational life.
MRC’s Council is continuously exploring new initiatives to keep valuable materials in use for longer; extract value from new and existing waste streams; reduce our state’s reliance on landfill and support local industry.
ENDS
About MRC: Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) is one of Western Australia’s biggest waste management authorities, providing a comprehensive waste disposal service to local government authorities and residents in the Perth Metro Area.
For more information, visit mrc.wa.gov.au
Information for media: For enquiries relating to this release or any other questions from journalists regarding MRC, please contact communications@mrc.wa.gov.au or call 0417 252 227.
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