Bargains saved from the rubbish bins

Resource recoverer Ana Procter keeps reusable goods out of landfill by stocking the shelves of the new Mahu Mall.

After a year of planning, Mahurangi Wastebusters has opened a used goods store at its transfer station on Lawrie Road.

Named the Mahurangi Mall, shoppers can buy electronic appliances and household goods, as well as materials such as wood and corrugated metal.

Operations manager Lucy Benwell says building waste has been one of the most successful categories for getting diverted away from landfill.

“Surplus wood or offcuts get brought here, and other builders then buy lengths of wood from us for shaping foundations.”

If building waste brought to the transfer station is reusable, the disposal charge is reduced from $60 per cubic metre to $10 per cubic metre.

General waste is $65 per cubic metre but if an item can definitely be sold in the shop, Lucy says she will take it for free.

Mahurangi Wastebusters diverts electronics that cannot be reused to Abilities E-recycling, which employs people with disabilities to separate out the recyclable material.

Lucy says the Lawrie Road transfer station has so far managed to direct half its waste towards recycling. But the goal is still 70 per cent and the new store is an important step.

The new shop is open Thursday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4pm, and 9.30am to 4pm on Sundays.