They’re part treasure hunt, part recycling centre, part community support network.

Our local charity stories, The New Zealand Red Cross Shop and The Salvation Army Store, are packed with quality second-hand goods at low prices. From clothing and linen to kitchenware, books, games, gifts and the occasional unexpected find.

Waimate has firmly established itself as a second-hand shopping destination.

Over the past few years the number of stores has multiplied.

New Zealand’s second-hand market is now estimated to be worth $5.5 billion, with stores helping reduce landfill, strengthen local economic resilience and attract visitors to small towns.

Most of us know how to shop in them but how can we interact with the local stores to keep our clutter out of landfill?

It’s been a year since Waimate said no to the incinerator - but the conversation around waste hasn’t gone away.

At the Big Organic Day Out, the focus shifted to what comes next, with a clear message: we need to get better with our waste - and it’s easier than you might think.

We look at where Why Waste Waimate Inc is now, and share some simple, practical tips to help you cut down what you throw out.