Ever wonder where new nappies, unopened skincare, unused cleaning supplies, and perfectly good school gear go when they don’t sell? If you guessed “to someone who needs them”, we’ve got good news... and a little bad.

Australia’s Hidden Waste Problem

Let’s rip the (compostable) band-aid off: Australia is currently wasting a jaw-dropping $4.5 billion worth of unsold but brand-new goods every year. Yep, every single year.

While many businesses are doing the right thing by teaming up with charities and rerouting returns to good homes, there’s still a mountain of goods ending up in storage limbo or, worse, landfill. The problem has jumped 17% since 2021, thanks in part to the rise in online shopping returns.

The Charity Flipping the Script

Here’s the part we do love: Good360 Australia has been quietly flipping the script for a decade now. Celebrating their 10th birthday this year, they’ve connected over $500 million worth of new goods to 4.8 million Aussies in need, working with over 4,800 charities and disadvantaged schools. We’re talking everything from toiletries to tech, school shoes to sofas — and they’ve diverted over 7,616 tonnes of waste in the process. That’s not just good. That’s Good360.

Their mission is simple but powerful: match surplus with need. Instead of perfectly fine items heading to landfills, they head to the people and places that need them most. Unwanted stock doesn’t do much good in a warehouse, but in the hands of someone sleeping rough, it can restore dignity.

Solving Waste and Need Together

And the need is growing. 82% of charities and schools say demand for essential items is higher than ever. At the same time, retailers are stuck with returns and excess stock that’s costing them to store (or throw out). Good360 bridges the gap beautifully, solving both a waste issue and a well-being one.

With a new Chair (hi James Atkins) and a goal to scale from $500 million over 10 years to $500 million EVERY year by 2030, this feel-good freight train isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Got Excess Stock? This Is Your Sign

So, to the businesses sitting on unsold stock: this is your sign. Join the wave. Clear out that storeroom. Partner up with Good360 here. There are thousands of Aussies waiting on essentials you might not even know you’re holding onto.

While initiatives like this are a brilliant step toward reducing landfill waste, we firmly believe that the best solution is to stop waste at the source, by using what you already have or choosing second-hand options first.

If you loved this story, you’ll love our other blog here about Suzie Hicks the Climate Chick who's sprouting climate hope for kids, it’s a goodie!

Until next time GFZ’s,
Ellie x