After a comprehensive tender process, City of Darwin has awarded a tender to operate the Trash and Treasure Shop, located at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility, to Resource Recovery Australia.
City of Darwin's Trash and Treasure Shop is the first stop that residents are encouraged to visit prior to throwing their items away, to see if they could be repurposed or resold to minimise the amount of waste entering landfill.
The contract with the previous provider, Helping People Achieve (HPA), to run the Trash and Treasure Shop expired and, in line with procurement processes, City of Darwin was required to go to the open market.
City of Darwin Chief Executive Officer Simone Saunders thanked HPA for their excellent work in managing the Trash and Treasure Shop successfully since 2018.
"HPA has been committed to improving the Trash and Treasure Shop are we thank them for their efforts over the last six years," Ms Saunders said.
"HPA's staff have been incredibly welcoming and attentive, and they contributed to making the Trash and Treasure Shop an enjoyable place to not only drop off items to be recycled, but also to nab a second-hand bargain.
"When signing the new agreement, we sought assurances from the new provider, Resource Recovery Australia, that they would provide HPA supported employees with the opportunity to transition into the Resource Recovery Australia operation.
"Resource Recovery Australia is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works in waste management to keep waste out of landfill, create jobs for people experiencing barriers to work and to engage and connect people in our communities,
"As part of the procurement process, a number of factors are considered, including the value that we can return to ratepayers.
"Resource Recovery Australia has committed to reinvesting back into the Territory and the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility, as well as employing locals," she said.
Last financial year, Resource Recovery Australia helped divert over 11,965 tonnes of waste from landfill for reuse and recycling and employed 196 people to do this.
Resource Recovery Australia will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the shop, including accepting donations of unwanted items; repurposing or reselling items; marketing the shop to residents and visitors and maintaining the shop's premises.
Resource Recovery Australia is focused on creating genuine job opportunities that provide empowerment and dignity to workers.
Resource Recovery Australia will continue to consult with HPA about continuity of employment for their staff, including supported workers, whether that be by direct employment or in partnership with HPA.
They will prioritise long-term employment and offer training and development to support the transition and integration of current HPA employees when the new contract commences in February 2025.
City of Darwin is committed to achieving social outcomes for local people and maximising opportunities to divert waste from landfill.
