Council prizes are seriously rubbish!

July 3 2009    Council prizes are seriously rubbish!

Competition entries soared in council’s world environment day trash to treasure competition, as festival goers clamored to win top prizes made from rubbish.

Bruce Graham of Buderim took delivery of his first prize today, a beautiful bench seat with a shoe locker, created from old timber, a bed head and old wardrobe feet, all salvaged from the tip shop in Noosa.

“I saw the bench at the festival and was amazed at the workmanship, and that it was made from odds and sods that people would normally throw away,” Mr Graham said.

Joanne Austin also from Buderim won second prize, a children’s picnic table created from waste timber.

Prizes were made and generously donated by Brite Side at Noosa’s Tip Top Tip Shop and Cadet at Caloundra’s Resource Recovery Centre.

Sandie Johnston, council’s waste education officer said that the centres are great places to pick up a bargain

“While you wouldn’t normally head to the tip to buy your furniture, you could end up finding just the thing you were looking for,” Ms Johnston said.

“At the resource recovery centres, loads are checked for anything that can be sold in the shop from plant pots to children’s toys, tools and furniture.

“This really is the final frontier of recycling. It’s a last chance to salvage all those items that never made it to the charity shop and didn’t sell at the garage sale.

“You’ll also find those things that need some love to bring them back to life, a chair that needs upholstering or a trolley with a wonky wheel.

“The shops are a renovator’s delight, they are perfect for picking up doors and windows and furniture. It might need a bit of love and attention, but will save you a fortune.”

To find amazing treasures, recycled furniture and materials to make your own furniture, head to your nearest Council Resource Recovery Centre. For more information and locations contact council customer service on 5475 7272 or check council’s website at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au