Spring clean and save with Second Hand Saturday

GET READY for the North Coast’s grandest garage sale day on September 21.

Second Hand Saturday (SHS) is the largest co-ordinated event of its kind in Northern NSW. Last year, 600 sales sites were registered across Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local council areas.

The humble garage sale is an easy and crucial way to support the culture of reusing, recycling, and repairing unwanted goods to reduce the millions of tonnes of waste that go to landfills.

NE Waste has run 16 Second Hand Saturdays since 2005. This environmentally, socially, and economically rewarding program has made a significant impact. Since 2016, more than 6,400 wheelie bins worth of pre-loved items have exchanged hands, saving a staggering 3,446 wheelie bins of second-hand goods from ending up in a landfill.

SHS benefits include raising funds, spring cleaning, and connecting with neighbours. The family-friendly activity is also a fun and active way to teach younger garage salers about the value of reusing, recycling, and sensible spending.

Residents can choose to raise funds for a charity, local club, preschool or church by banding together to host a giant sale. Interested parties can select the fundraiser option on the website, and the free promotion across the region also provides avenues for promotion for the cause.

All kinds of garage sales can be part of the day, including mass group sales, “free” or “swap” sales, “pay what you think it’s worth” sales, or getting a neighbourhood together for a street sale and block party barbecue.

From bicycles to potted plants, clothes and furniture to artwork, musical instruments, and collectable treasures, thousands of pre-loved bargains are on offer. SHS provides a search app and maps to help plan a treasure-hunting expedition and make the most of a potential route.

Registration to host a sale is free, and organisers promote garage sales for free in local newspapers, online, and via social media.

For information on Second Hand Saturday and how to register, head to secondhandsaturday.com.au