Reverse Garbage Marrickville Celebrates 50 Years

Iconic Inner West Reuse Centre Marks Half a Century With Warehouse Festival and Fundraiser

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One of Marrickville’s most loved community hubs is hitting a major milestone — Reverse Garbage is celebrating its 50th birthday!

Since 1975, this Inner West institution has been rescuing valuable materials from landfill and putting them back into the hands of locals, artists, schools and makers. What started as a clever idea from a group of teachers has grown into one of Australia’s longest-running reuse centres and sustainability education hubs.

Today, Reverse Garbage diverts over 100 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste each year — think timber offcuts, fabrics, props, paper, plastics, and unexpected treasures of every kind. Their ever-changing Marrickville warehouse is a go-to for DIYers, artists, crafters, educators, and anyone hunting for affordable, unique finds.

But it’s about more than just quirky materials. Reverse Garbage is a not-for-profit with a big heart and an even bigger mission: to make creative reuse accessible to everyone. Their team runs hands-on workshops, repair sessions, art and craft classes, and sustainability education programs for kids, adults, and teachers alike — all while promoting circular thinking and practical climate action.

Over the past five decades, they’ve built a strong network of schools, artists, councils, businesses, and community groups working together to reduce waste and champion social inclusion through creativity.

And now, it’s time to party at Reverse Garbage Marrickville

On Saturday, 20th September 2025, Reverse Garbage is hosting a huge community celebration at their Marrickville warehouse - 30 Carrington Rd (on the corner of Renwick St) - and everyone’s invited. Expect a full day of live music, tasty food stalls, workshops, panel talks, a reuse fashion parade, and plenty of fun for all ages. They’ll be taking over their car park and neighbouring street for a festival-style celebration of everything they’ve achieved — and the big, bright future ahead.

To mark this milestone, a special 50th fundraising appeal is also underway to help expand their programs, rescue even more materials, and deliver hands-on environmental education for the next generation.

Find out more, get involved, and help support creative reuse in your community at reversegarbage.org.au

Reverse Garbage

30 Carrington Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

Phone: (02) 9569 3132

Email: info@reversegarbage.org.au