Eat, shop, RECYCLE, repeat.
Eat, shop, RECYCLE, repeat.
Imagine if you could do your bit for the planet and earn some extra coin (or better yet, donate it to a deserving charity) by recycling your drink containers…. all while you’re doing your weekly grocery shop? Well knock me down with a feather (or an empty bottle…*ba dum tss*) because now you can!
The planet preserving legends at TOMRA have just rolled out their very first Containers for Change reverse vending kiosk, conveniently located at popular shopping hub Stockland Burleigh Heads. Hot on the heels of this one, keep your eyes peeled for several more scheduled to pop up around the GC and BrisVegas, all stationed in easy-to-access shopping centre carparks. In fact, once they’re all up and running, South East Queensland will have more recycling opportunities than ever before. YEW!
The brand spanking new kiosks offer four fully automated reverse vending machines open 14 hours a day, seven days a week. So if your weekdays are too hectic (feels!) and you’d rather swing in while you’re grabbing your snacks stash before a Sat night Netflix binge-fest (or to line your stomach before hitting da club), you totally can! And no need to go out of your way, because these neat little kiosks are basically served up to you on a silver platter. Genius!
The purse-proud among us will love that each kiosk offers the choice of a retail cash refund, or a direct digital transfer to PayPal or your bank account within mere hours. Pretty darn cool right. What’s even cooler and gives us the warm and fuzzies, is that you also have the opportunity to support local community and charity groups by donating your refunds.
Using scheme ID barcodes, you can select one of hundreds of participating Containers for Change charities, with 100% of the selected refunds donated going directly to the chosen organisation. That’s right – the lot. No moolah is absorbed into annoying admin fees – these charities get the whole kit and kaboodle.
Never has looking after our environment been more important so we think this initiative deserves a ten outta ten. These guys are serious environmentalist trailblazers, setting out to make a difference one container at a time… and we’re legit superfans. So Burleigh folk, start storing your empty bottles and next time you’re doing a grocery run, give the first TOMRA Containers for Change kiosk a red hot go.
For more information on Containers for Change including checking container eligibility or the status of your nearest return point, visit: https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/
Where: Stockland Burleigh Shopping Centre Carpark, 149 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
When: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 9pm and Sunday 9am to 6pm.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
It’s an experience that gets all your senses going, from that distinctive op shop scent to the rush of excitement you get when you find a pre-loved treasure you know you’ll be calling vintage!
In honour of all the people who do good by donating to op shops or volunteer their time, we bring forth an epic list of the crème de la crème of op shops on the Coast.
Thrifters, get excited, gather your besties and get ready to hunt down some bargains!
Salvos Store, Nerang
So our friends in the outer ‘burbs don’t have to miss out on the bargain hunt we bring to you Nerang’s Salvos Store just off the Pacific Motorway on Station Street. Friendly service and a great range of pre-loved items make this op shop a place to return!
Where: 23-25 Station St, Nerang
Lifeline Molendinar
Bargain hunters, this one will give you all the heart eyes. It is a literal warehouse. You’re guaranteed to walk away from this place with some bargains.
Where: 28 Industrial Ave, Molendinar
Lifeline, Southport
Southport’s Lifeline is the perfect spot when you’re in the mood to dress to impress. They have lots of retro and vintage clothing plus books, shoes, toys and manchester.
Where: 14 Railway St, Southport
Vinnies, Mudgeeraba
Vinnies, another familiar face in the world of op-shopsis a must for affordable and pre-loved items including clothing, furniture, books, music and bric-a-brac. Everything you buy inspires change in your local community, feel good shopping at its best!
Where: 58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Pacas Recycling Store, Surfers Paradise
Passionate about conscious consumerism and the preservation of our environment, Pacas encourages us to never pay retail prices – and we oblige! Their massive haul of preloved pieces is sourced from Florida (cool) and they specialise in US designer brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Plus, they get new drops every single Saturday so yes, a little trip to the glitter strip is set to become a weekly event.
Where: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Salvos, Mermaid Beach
Located just near Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach it’s easy to see why this store has a reputation for being one of the best on the Coast. This place is huge and a veritable treasure trove for thrifters.
Where: Pacific Square, Shop 11/2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
AWLQ, Burleigh
This hidden treasure trove located on the lower Gold Coast Highway just around the corner from Commune Cafe is rather small but offers you a good variety of clothing, furniture and home-wares. Plus it’s always a good feeling knowing you’re helping animals in need with your new finds. Show them off in style by relaxing with a yummy coffee afterwards.
Where: Cnr & Lower Gold Coast Hwy & Elder Entrance, Burleigh Heads
Vinnies, Burleigh Waters
Nestled between Harvey Norman and Burleigh Homespace at Santa Maria Court is Vinnies Burleigh Waters. The welcoming staff play a big part of why this op-shop is a locals favourite! Besides great customer service they give you everything you expect from a thrift shop and more.
Where: 11/1 Santa Maria Ct, Burleigh Waters
RSPCA, West Burleigh
Bargain hunters beware… RSPCA’s biggest Gold Coast store is another well kept secret and features furniture, books, toys, music, clothing and even some antiques! It’s pretty easy to spend hours browsing through all the second-hand steals and collectables, but as long as you make it out with some unique fashion items and vintage finds it’s well worth it!
Where: 18 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
