Trash turns into DIY treasure for others
A garage sale in Cambridge saved nearly 15 tonnes — around 13 skip bins — of construction waste from land fill and put it into the hands of keen DIYers.
Over 500 people attended The Great DIY Garage Sale, organised by Rob May Builders and Waipa¯ District Council, raising $11,000 for Cambridge East School.
Brand new building materials that were destined for the dump were donated by Waipa¯ companies, including toilets, basins, GIB board and paint.
Council’s waste minimisation officer Sally Fraser says Council was “blown away” by the success of the event which saw everything — “including a couple of kitchen sinks” — be taken away and reused.
“There’s truth to the saying that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure and we really saw that at the sale,” says Sally. “We’re incredibly proud of the collaboration between the local building industry, Council and Cambridge East School to not only pull off a great event, but help educate the community that there are other options for waste.”
Jono McCullough of Rob May Builders said the event identified a need in the community that could be replicated in towns across the country.
“It’s amazing to see how our local community took hold of this one idea. Rethinking how we recycle our product has benefited not just a local school but the people and facilities of this beautiful town. We’re looking forward to a bigger and better event next year,” says Jono.
Sally and Jono recognise the large number of people who made the event possible.
They thanked all the businesses which donated products, Cambridge East School PTA and everyone who donated their time. Special mention went to Shaw’s Wire Ropes for hosting the event at their premises.
Products and services were donated by Rob May Builders, Tree Town Kitchens, Wackrow Joinery, Carters, Amber Nurseries, Suretrade Building Services, Brewery Joinery, BTG Electrical, Flooring Xtra, Dimond Roofing, Laser Electrical, Wraptrade, Chesters Plumbing and Bathroom, Mike Stent Decorators, Fletcher Sheds, Cambridge Glass, Bowers Brothers Concrete, Camille Guzzwell and Police.
Leftover products at the end of the garage sale were donated to Habitat for Humanity.