Measuring the power of reuse in Australia

Australians are saving money, cutting emissions and backing the circular economy just by choosing second hand.

The 2025 National Reuse Impact Datasets shows that last year, Australians saved a massive $2 billion through reuse. At the same time, we reduced waste, cut carbon emissions and supported people doing it tough.

National Projection led by Charitable Reuse Australia, this combines detailed data from NSW, Tasmania and South Australia to give us the clearest national picture of reuse yet. The results speak for themselves.

Reuse isn’t just about keeping things out of landfill. It is creating jobs, funding social programs, easing cost of living pressures and building stronger, more sustainable communities.

And the best part? Anyone can be part of it. Donate quality items that can be used, shop second hand, or volunteer at your local op shop and you’ll be making a real difference.

total items reused

National Reuse Impact Datasets

$2 billion

saved by Australians through reuse

32,000+

volunteers nationwide

190,000 tonnes

saved from landfill

1.4 million tonnes

CO₂ emissions saved annually

Over $1.5 billion

in total economic value

390 million

items reused annually

Key Findings from the National Data

National Reuse Impact Dataset

Total Items, Weight & Value Australia Wide	Amount
Total Items Reused (items)	390,000,000
Total Weight Reused (tonnes)	190,000
Value of Items Reused (AUD)	$1,000,000,000

Social & Economic Impact Australia Wide	Amount
Community Savings through Reuse (AUD)	$2,000,000,000
Funds for Social & Environmental Programs (AUD)	$180,000,000
Jobs Created: Reuse vs Recycling (estimated multiplier)	30x More Jobs

Environmental Impacts in NSW	Amount
Waste Diverted from Landfill to Reuse (tonnes)	190,000
CO₂ Emissions Saved (tonnes)	1,400,000
Land Saved (hectares)	690,000

Explore the complete National dataset

national reuse impact dataset

National Reuse Impact Report

NSW Reuse Impact Study

NSW Reuse Impact at a Glance

Total Items, Weight & Value in NSW	Amount
Total Items Reused (items)	107,710,000
Total Weight Reused (tonnes)	49,900
Value of Items Reused (AUD)	$243,000,000

Social & Economic Impact in NSW	Amount
Community Savings through Reuse (AUD)	$432,000,000
Funds for Social & Environmental Programs (AUD)	$51,000,000
Jobs Created: Reuse vs Recycling (estimated multiplier)	25x more jobs

Environmental Impacts in NSW	Amount
Waste Diverted from Landfill to Reuse (tonnes)	49,900
CO₂ Emissions Saved (tonnes)	343,000
Land Saved (hectares)	192,000

Explore the complete NSW Study

NSW reuse impact study

Executive Report Technical Report Lifecycle Environmental Impact Factors

TAS Reuse Impact Study

TAS Reuse Impact at a Glance

Total Items, Weight & Value in TAS	Amount
Total Items Reused (items)	13,890,000
Total Weight Reused (tonnes)	11,000
Value of Items Reused (AUD)	$53,800,000

Social & Economic Impact in TAS	Amount
Community Savings through Reuse (AUD)	$147,000,000
Funds for Social & Environmental Programs (AUD)	$8,300,000
Jobs Created: Reuse vs Recycling (estimated multiplier)	34x More Jobs

Environmental Impacts in TAS	Amount
Waste Diverted from Landfill to Reuse (tonnes)	11,000
CO₂ Emissions Saved (tonnes)	70,000
Land Saved (hectares)	37,000

Explore the complete TAS study

TAS reuse study impact study

Executive Report Technical Report Lifecycle Environmental Impact Factors

Why this matters?

Because behind every reused item is a story of impact.

Reuse isn’t just good for the planet. It’s good for people. It’s about making sure families can access what they need without breaking the bank. It’s about giving someone a job, restoring dignity and creating new opportunities. It’s about helping charities fund the services that hold our communities together.

Reuse is only second to reducing consumption as the most eco-friendly choice we can make, because it creates no waste and keeps resources in use.

When we choose second hand, we’re choosing:

Relief for households doing it tough
Lower emissions and less waste
Real jobs and brighter futures
Hope and support for people in crisis
A more circular, connected Australia

The more we reuse, the less we waste.

Because reuse doesn’t just change where things end up. It changes lives.