From retro wicker couches to funky disco roller skates, we see it all here at Wastebusters! Clearing out beloved items can be a bit emotional—after all, they’re packed with memories.
To give your treasures the best chance of finding their new home below are our guidelines for donating and some of our top tips for making processing your donations as smooth as possible. Believe it or not, it’s all in how you pack them!
Please check the following before donating:
- Items should be stain-free with no rips or holes
- We love items clean and freshly washed, as we can’t wash them on-site
- No broken or damaged items, please
- For electrical items, please make sure they work properly and have no loose wires
We are grateful to accept your pre-loved treasures to help keep them out of the landfill! The easy way to know whether something is going to find a new home is by asking yourself “would I feel comfortable gifting the item to a friend or family member”.
Use the duvet bags you’ve saved
You know those clear plastic zipped bags that duvet sets come in—the ones that take up space at the bottom of your wardrobe? They’re perfect for bundling up toys and games with lots of little parts! For example, if you’re donating a Hot Wheels set or a marble maze, pop all the pieces into one of these bags. They’ll stay together through sorting and into the shop and out into their new home. Plus, since they’re clear, we can easily see what’s inside!
Keep it separate
Organising your donations by type makes a big difference. For instance, if you put clothes in one bag and homeware in another, we can quickly route clothes to the sorting area to get them on the rails faster. Less time sorting, more time refilling the shop with great finds!
Pair up items
We’re incredibly fortunate to receive so many amazing donations, but with the volume that comes in, small items can easily get separated. Help us keep pairs together! Pack gloves, shoes, or swimwear as pairs—tie shoes together with their laces, wrap an elastic band around gloves, or pop pairs in a wee bag. It makes a world of difference in sorting and ensures they’re ready to shine as a set.
Secure small pieces
Tiny pieces can easily slip through gaps or get lost in the shuffle. For puzzles and games with lots of parts, consider taping the lid closed or adding a rubber band to keep it all together. Bonus points for a quick note saying all pieces are there. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing your puzzle is complete and ready for a new owner!
Wrap sharp and breakable items
Our busy workspace means safety comes first. If you’re donating items like kitchen knives or glassware, wrapping them safely and letting us know what you’re donating helps us avoid accidents. Wrapping sharps or breakables in tea towels is a simple way to ensure they arrive intact and ready for their next adventure.
