Old appliances, new beginnings: Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed upcycles 35 tonnes for good causes

Repurposing at its best is on show as a Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed member (left) takes apart an old washing machine and extracts materials for reuse, while another member builds a toilet from unwanted washing machine parts. Photos: Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed.

Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed is giving second lives to tonnes of unwanted landfill material, turning it into profit and donating the proceeds to local charities.

The Men’s Shed is diverting more than 35 tonnes of unwanted material from landfill, including common secondhand items such as washing machines and other appliances donated by residents and local businesses. Parts are recycled and new products are built, such as toilets, sheds, horse feed bins, and garden beds.

Men’s Shed secretary David Croft said the members were proud to embrace a circular attitude.

“If it has a second life, we will find it and use it. We’re proud to support the community and environment,” Mr Croft said.

The group has earned more than $80,000 from upcycled products, which were sold at a regular local garage sale. From these profits, shed members donated to local charities, including Wagga CareVan ($10,000), Lilier Lodge Cancer Centre ($5000), and Cootamundra Men’s Shed ($2000).

A Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed member showing off the finished outdoor toilet cubicle built from upcycled products.

Old truck mudguards gathered to be repurposed into a roof covering for outdoor toilet cubicles.

A toilet built from old washing machine parts.

An outdoor toilet cubicle built from recycled wooden pallets and truck mudguards.

NSW Environment Protection Authority executive director of programs and innovation, Alexandra Geddes, said Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed highlighted the powerful role the community could play in achieving a circular economy.

“Who would have thought that from one washing machine, you could get a toilet, a horse feed bin, and a tool to help farriers trim horse hooves, or that old electric hospital beds could be turned into adjustable work benches and tool caddies?” Ms Geddes said.

“Keeping resources in use for as long as possible is critical as we build a circular future.

“The creativity and ingenuity of the members is a great example of how resources can be reused, recycled, and repurposed into multiple items.

“It’s inspiring to see the community make a real difference to our environment while turning unwanted items into extra cash for the shed and the broader community.”