Sal Isaksen, owner of SalOn in Katoomba, is also a sustainable stylist and wardrobe consultant.
Story and photos by Linda Moon, updated August 2025 by Steve Krinks
With 23 secondhand shops to explore, including funky vintage clothing and multiple op shops, Katoomba is a growing hub for the circular economy. This comprehensive guide explains what’s on offer where and how to donate your unwanted stuff to help tackle the waste problem.
Jump to a section:
- Interactive Map
- Vintage Clothing Stores
- Charity Op Shops
- Vintage & Antique Shops
- Free Stuff
- Donating Sustainably
Interactive Map
Hover over the map (or click on mobile) to see details of each store. Click here to view the map full screen.
Vintage Clothing Stores
1. SalOn
Address: Town Centre Arcade, Shop 5, 81/83 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780
Open hours: Weds–Sat 10.30am-4pm, Sunday 10.30am – 2.30pm
Contact: 0414 568 068
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/vintagewithsal/
What’s in store
Upmarket, designer and vintage secondhand female clothing and accessories. Shoes, belts, jeans, dresses and more. Women love the bargain room of $10 and under. “They spend ages in there,” says owner, Sal Isaksen. Prices are considerably cheaper than equivalent shops in Sydney. Sal is also a wardrobe consultant and sustainable stylist. Hire her to help you declutter and restyle your wardrobe or join one of her workshops.
Getting there:
SalOn is located in the Katoomba Town Centre Arcade, half-way down Katoomba St on your right as you walk down the hill. It’s 5 minutes walk from the train station.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
SalOn welcomes fashion items (they must be in perfect condition) from individuals in return for cash or a store credit. Bring your items in, Sal says, and she’ll select anything suitable.
2. Yesterday Store
Address: 130 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days, 10am-4pm.
Contact: hello@shopyesterdaystore.com
Website: shopyesterdaystore.com
Socials: www.instagram.com/yesterday.store/
What’s in store
High quality, secondhand, vintage men and women’s clothing, mostly from the sixties to nineties. Includes some deadstock (never worn). Overalls, coveralls, work wear, army wear, jeans, tops, jackets, jumpers and denim feature strongly in the racks. There’s also a selection of caps, hats and dresses. Prices range from $15 for a shirt to a leather jacket for $280. They also sell boro mending kits and promote the philosophy of extending the life of garments through re-use and repair.
Getting there:
Yesterday Store is on the main drag of Katoomba street about halfway down on the same side as the churches.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Yesterday Store doesn’t take stock from the general public.
3. Forever Friday
Address: 132a Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm (12pm – 4pm Sunday)
Contact: 0411 959 474
Website: https://foreverfriday.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/shop.forever.friday, https://www.facebook.com/shop.forever.friday
What’s in store
A newish arrival to the vintage clothing scene in Katoomba, Forever Friday has an ever-changing selection of funky vintage finds for women and men. Owner Rebecca is passionate about sustainability and reducing waste, and her fashion eye is finely honed when it comes to curating for the store. She also has a sustainable styling service under the moniker of Sustainable Fox.
Getting there:
Forever Friday is next door to Yesterday Store, half way down Katoomba St, on your left as you descend the hill.
4. Saint Joan
Address: 44 Lurline St, Katoomba
Open hours: Thursday to Saturday 10am – 4pm; Sunday 10am – 3pm
Contact: saintjoan.atelier@gmail.com
Website: https://www.studiosaintjoan.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/saintjoan_____
What’s in store
The newest arrival on Katoomba’s vintage clothing scene, Saint Joan is located in a funky old building on Lurline St, parallel to Katoomba’s main street. The owner Charlotte describes it as the place to find curated vintage and slow fashion, predominantly for women but there’s a growing selection of vintage mens wear too.
Alongside a very fine range of vintage finds (with a focus on 60’s to 90’s clothing and quality fabrics using natural fibres) are the ‘slow fashion’ items – clothing and accessories hand-made by Charlotte and other small makers. These use vintage fabrics, upcycled into modern garments with a classic look. Recent hits in the current Katoomba winter include hot water bottle covers and vests made from upcycled woollen blankets.
There’s also a small selection of hand-made ceramics from local makers, and vintage homewares, jewellery, bags and shoes alongside hand-made beanies, scarves and socks.
In late September 2025, Charlotte plans to run workshops for people wanting to upskill in upcycling fabric and sewing – keep an eye on her socials to learn more.
Getting there
From Katoomba Street, turn down Church Lane (in between Katoomba Music and the Uniting Church) and follow it to Lurline Street. Turn right and Saint Joan is across the road on the corner of Leichhardt St. It’s a 10 minute walk from Katoomba Station.
5. DON Boutique
Address: 1/42 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Contact: (02) 4787 9119
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/don.boutique.katoomba/, https://www.facebook.com/don.boutique.2024/
What’s in store
DON Boutique offers a solid selection of vintage women’s fashion alongside vintage collectibles, homewares, jewellery, as well as a selection of new giftware and toiletries.
Getting there
DON Boutique is near the top of Katoomba Street, opposite the Carrington Hotel. It’s upstairs, entered via a well marked doorway next to Katoomba Wines.
Charitable Op Shops
6. Salvos
Address: 89 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm
Website: https://www.salvosstores.com.au/stores/nsw/2780-katoomba-8701
Contact: (02) 4782 2080
What’s in store:
Laid out like an all-in-one shopping centre, you’ll find dedicated sections for men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, handbags, shoes, children’s clothing and toys. A back room houses furniture, mattresses, linen, manchester and other furnishings. Upstairs are homewares, books, DVDs, CDs, electrical items (all tagged and tested). Prices cater to all budgets. The ‘O’ By Salvos range, for instance, features designer brands and unusual, standout designs.
“It’s all about funky and original,” explains Luke, the store manager. Salvos actively try to keep prices reasonable. You can score a Calvin Klein shirt here for $10 or a Tommy Hilfiger jumper for $6. Today, the most expensive clothing item in the store is $20. Shopping here is roomy and enjoyable. The plush, spacious change-rooms include a wheelchair accessible one. A Christian organisation, profits help fund charitable services and activities.
Getting there:
Salvos is half-way down Katoomba street, a few doors away from Anglicare. It’s a five minute stroll from the train station.
How to donate goods:
Salvos prefers donations during business hours, taken through their front door, but will open the back door for larger items when required. Items must be in good saleable condition. Donated mattresses must be in perfect condition. Unlike many other thrift stores, they accept electricals. For large items call the shop. Salvos do furniture collections.
They don’t accept computer monitors, printers, scanners and other hardware, building materials, car parts, waterbeds, CRT TVs (the old tube style), paint or chemicals, pressurised gas bottles, weapons (including replicas) or taxidermy animals.
7. Anglicare Op Shop
Address: 103 Katoomba Street
Open Hours: Mon – Fri 9.30am-5pm; Sat 10am – 4pm; Sun 10.30am – 2.30pm
What’s in store:
Pre-loved items including clothing and accessories, manchester, books, records, furniture, homewares, furniture, bric-a-brac and toys. The new change-rooms are as roomy as anything you’d find in a upmarket boutique, if not better. Profits go back into the community. For those struggling with food costs, there’s a Food Pantry. For $12 locals can fill a bag with basic food staples like cereals, pasta, rice, passatta, noodles and canned tomatoes.
Getting there:
Anglicare is situated in the centre of the Katoomba street shopping strip, on the corner of Katoomba St and Pryor Place.
How to donate goods:
Anglicare accepts a wide variety of quality goods. Generally speaking, they don’t accept electrical items or helmets. Bring items in while the shop is open. For bulk or large donations, there’s delivery access at the rear of the shop.
8. Vinnies
Address: 65-67 Waratah St, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm
Contact: (02) 4782 1068
Website: www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/shops/katoomba
What’s in store:
Secondhand clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, toys, jewellery, knick-knacks, kitchenware, household items, linen, curtains, sporting goods, bags and more. Profits support charitable activities of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Getting there:
At the bottom roundabout of the Katoomba Street shops, turn left into Waratah Street. Vinnies is next door to the Katoomba Veterinarian.
How to donate goods:
Drop off donations of quality items during business hours. You can also place donations in the donation bin round the corner. Avoid leaving goods outside the bins as any weather damage means they can’t be used and have to go to landfill. Vinnies Katoomba doesn’t accept computers, printers and scanners, furniture, electrical items and like other op shops, anything ripped, torn, stained, broken, cracked or unusable. For donated furniture pick-up requests, call 1800 606 724.
9. Cancer Wellness Support, Katoomba Op Shop
Address: 2/27 Whitton St, North Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Fri 9.30am-4.30pm; Sat 9.30am-3pm
Contact: (02) 4782 6076 Email: katoombaopshop@cancersupport.org.au
Socials: https://www.facebook.com/cancerwellnesssupport, https://www.instagram.com/cancerwellnesssupport/
What’s in store:
Second-hand furniture, clothing, shoes, books, CDs, homewares, kitchenware, electrical and white goods, art, vintage items, linen, bric-a-brac, luggage, camping gear and more. “We will sell virtually everything that’s not life endangering,” says manager, Deb Foster. Most clothing items are sold using a simple pricing structure: $5 for all tops, pants, jeans and shorts; $3 for t-shirts; $10 for winter jackets; $10 for all dresses regardless of label. Books are mostly a buck each. “We keep prices low,” Deb says.
In 2023, the shop was awarded “clothing reuse expert accreditation” from Charitable Recycling Australia. 95 per cent of unsold stock is recycled. Strategies to reduce waste include a ‘free table’ and bagging stuff for overseas or the council recycling depot. Proceeds support local people living with cancer by subsidising complimentary therapies. A locals favourite, the Cancer Wellness Op Shop also won WSABE 2022 winner of Excellence in Social Enterprise. “We try to be community-oriented,” Deb says.
Getting there:
Cancer Wellness Support is located in North Katoomba and has free car parking. While away from the main drag, it’s always bustling.
How to donate goods:
Bring them in before 4pm Monday to Friday or prior to 2pm on Saturday, but nothing faulty or unusable. “If you would buy it, it’s fine for donating,” Deb says. They offer furniture pick up and delivery every Tuesday and Wednesday (from Lawson to Mount Victoria).
10. Blue Mountains & District (BMD) Cat Welfare Op Shop
Address: 114 Bathurst Rd Katoomba
Open Hours: 7 days a week 10am-4pm
Contact: 0414 953 992
Website: https://www.bmdcatwelfare.com.au/op-shop-bmd-cat-welfare-katoomba.html
Socials: https://www.facebook.com/bluemtscats/
What’s in store?
Well-priced clothing, art, shoes, books, DVDs, LPs, purses, jewellery, homewares, collectibles and bric-a-brac. Due to space limitations, the focus is on higher quality items, so it’s well worth a browse. The store relies totally on the work of volunteers. All sales go towards helping, desexing and rehoming abandoned or homeless cats in need, which also reduces their impact on the environment.
Getting there:
The BMD Cat Welfare Op Shop is across from the rail station and cab rank (on the shop side of Katoomba).
How to donate goods:
Come in business hours. Avoid leaving goods on the doorstep. The shop particularly welcomes donations of cat food, litter trays and cat litter. It generally doesn’t accept electricals and can’t take large items. It also doesn’t take things with fur, knives or other dangerous items, second-hand underwear, socks, or swimwear, opened toiletries and cosmetics or discoloured or damaged books or videos.
11. Cat Defence Network Charity Shop
Address: 71 Waratah Street Katoomba
Open hours: Depending on volunteers, usually 10am-3pm, 7 days a week
Contact: Email catdefence@gmail.com or speak with a volunteer in the shop
Website: https://www.catdefencenetwork.org.au/
What’s in store:
Bargain price secondhand and new, unused donated goods marked well below retail price. From hand cream, perfume and hand towels to jewellery, dog and kids toys, you’re bound to find a treasure or more. There’s also ornaments, clothing, kitchenware, books, CDs, manchester and stationery. All profits go towards supporting CDN cats (mostly desexing and helping injured street cats). To get desexing assistance, call in at the shop. Or call and leave a message on 0434 165 355.
Getting there:
At the bottom roundabout of the Katoomba Street shops, turn left into Waratah Street. Cat Defence is across the road just past Vinnies.
How to donate goods:
Bring donations in when the shop is open. A small shop, Cat Defence doesn’t accept or sell furniture, electricals and anything made of bone, fur or feathers. At the time of writing they were also not taking clothing. To avoid waste they will refer items to other shops and put out a ‘free box’ from time to time.
12. Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Research Garden Cottage
Address: 58 Megalong St, Katoomba
Open hours: Wed – Fri 10am-3.30pm, Sat – Sun 10am – 2pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7591
What’s in store:
The main attraction is the sprawling outdoor area. It’s filled with interesting outdoor furniture including bargain outdoor settings, tables, pots, plants, garden art plus household furniture and more. The inside of the house is a warren of rooms housing secondhand furniture, homewares, knick-knacks, paintings, books, picture frames, CDs, DVDs, records, old lighting, kids stuff and more.
Getting there:
The Garden Cottage Warehouse is located within the industrial zone of Katoomba. From Lovel street, Katoomba (the street running along the train line between South Katoomba to Leura), turn left into Wilson street, then right into Megalong street before you hit Bunnings.
How to donate goods:
Bring them in during opening hours.
13. Sweet Charity Op Shop, Junction 142
Address: 142 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: Thur – Sat 10am-4pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7458
Website: https://www.junction142.org.au/sweet-charity-op-shop/
Socials: https://www.facebook.com/SweetCharityOpShopJ142
What’s in store:
Slightly higher end (they don’t stock Kmart and Woolworths brands, for instance) secondhand items including clothing, shoes, books, CDs, DVDs, homewares, knick-knacks and jewellery. The store occasionally receives donations of new, unused goods from excess stock or closing down shops. They recently rescued shoes from Thompsons (currently for sale) destined for the tip. Profits support services to locals in need, including free hampers, clothing, showers, laundry services and more.
Getting there
An activity of Leura Uniting Church and the community, Sweet Charity Op Shop is located at the back of Katoomba Uniting Church.
How to donate goods:
Sweet Charity Op Shop accepts donated items (except for electricals, kitchen ware, underwear, children’s clothing and toys). They’d love more jewellery and quality clothing fabrics (like linen and wool). Deliver items during opening hours. It’s possible to drive into the carpark. Donations, including clothing needs to be decent and quality. No stains or holes. “We’re big on dignity here,” says store manager, Rachel Perkins.
Vintage & Antique Stores
14. The Post Mistress Vintage
Address: 59-61 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days, 10am – 5pm
Contact: 0401 026 064
What’s in store
Across two huge levels, The Post Mistress Vintage is brimming with thousands of rare and unique items including industrial furniture, glassware, crystal, porcelain, ceramics, brassware, homewares, clocks, watches, jewellery, art works, clothing, lamps, lighting, mid-century to antique furniture, movie props, prints, curios and collectibles.
Previously known as Katoomba Vintage Emporium, it changed hands in early 2025 and has taken on a new lease of life under the curatorial eye of the fabulous Kitty, who has big plans for the big space!
Getting there:
The Post Mistress Vintage is near the top of Katoomba St, just up from the (still closed) Paragon Cafe. It’s a two minute walk from trains and buses.
15. Foraged & Forged
Address: 2/118 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Open hours: Fri / Sat / Sun 10am-4pm
Contact: 0405 531 414
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/foragedandforgedkatoomba/
What’s for sale
The ‘Foraged’ part of the name refers to both the vintage goodies and super cute hand-made toys (using foraged fabrics), and the ever-changing selection of home-made delicacies using foraged ingredients from the owner’s permaculture garden in North Katoomba – such as the fermented kiwifruit chilli sauce and apple cider vinegar that were on offer when we visited. Free range eggs make an appearance too.
‘Forged’ refers to the collection of hand-forged fire pokers, tools, kitchen utensils and other implements, also made locally by the owner’s partner in Katoomba.
There’s a small collection of vintage clothing on offer (with expansion planned in the near future), hand-sewn and felted items, antiques across multiple eras, and a curated selection of small maker stationery items, candles, toiletries and grooming products. The owner Amanda also plans to open a sewing space in Aug/Sep 2025, with drop-in sessions and workshops for those wanting to up their hand-sewing skills. Watch their socials for details.
In short, a varied and fun mix of old and new, tasteful and tasty!
Getting there:
Foraged & Forged is located just off Katoomba St, down a short driveway next to Aunty Ed’s (if you’re a local!). It’s in ‘vintage central’, a cluster of vintage stores with Sal-On, Forever Friday, the Yesterday Store, The Salvos Store and Anglicare all a stone’s throw apart. You’ll find them half-way down Katoomba St, about 5 minutes walk from the train station and buses.
16. Future Relics Emporium
Address: 69 Lurline St, Katoomba
Open hours: Thursday to Sunday 11am – 5pm
Contact: 0406 907 050
What’s for sale
Fancy a dark ages broadsword, or perhaps a long handled battle axe, to accompany your vintage clothing purchase? You’re in the right place. Future Relics Emporium, on Lurline Street in Katoomba opposite Katoomba RSL, is a quirky vintage store with quite a few strings to its bow. It opened in May 2025.
In addition to vintage clothing, antiques, furniture and collectables, there’s a solid range of medieval armory and weaponry, made with attention to period detail for use in re-enactment battles. Not sure how to wield a weapon? Sign up for one of their swordsmanship classes and get skilled up to join their regular re-enactments.
Three times a week (Weds, Thurs, Sat 6-9pm) Future Relics Emporium hosts Dungeons and Dragons sessions. Contact them directly to learn more.
Getting there:
Future Relics Emporium is on Lurline Street, parallel to Katoomba St, and opposite Katoomba RSL. It’s two minute’s walk from the roundabout on Katoomba St, or a ten minute walk from the train station, and there’s a bus stop just across the road.
17. Macarthur’s Arcade
Address: 84 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-5pm
Contact: (02) 4782 5768
What’s in store:
Macarthur’s Arcade is a meandering expanse of absorbing antique items: electrical goods, vintage clothing, original paintings, clocks, furniture, ornaments, ethnic and indigenous artifacts, bric-a-brac and more. They also showcase items on their Facebook page and ebay store.
Getting there:
The building is located in the main street of Katoomba, (on the left side if you’re coming from the Great Western Highway side), just past St Hilda’s church.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
They offer payment or store credit for suitable goods. Bring them in during store hours. Another option is to email in photographs. They can do whole house buys.
18. Mr Pickwicks Fine Old Books
Address: 84 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-5pm
Contact: (02) 4782 7598; Email: pickwick@bigpond.net.au
What’s in store:
Downstairs from Macarthurs Arcade, you’ll find Mr Pickwick’s: a haven for about 40,000 books (15,000 or so are listed on their internet site). About 90 per cent are secondhand, rare and antiquarian books. There’s also scores of CDs, LPs and DVDs to browse, plus sheet music.
Getting there:
The building is located in the main street of Katoomba, (on the left side if you’re coming from the Great Western Highway side), just past St Hilda’s church.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Mr Pickwicks is always on the lookout for books, particularly in the likes of trade, philosophy, crime, sci-fi and antiquarian books. They don’t take encyclopaedias and most modern popular fiction.
19. Black Antiques
Address: 186 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Thur – Mon 10am-5pm; closed Tue, Wed
Contact: (02) 4782 4619; email: black.antiques@gmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/BlackAntiquesKatoomba/
What’s in store:
With the vibe of an old archeology dig, it’s a dusty den of antiquity and quirky finds. The hoard includes the 1830’s engraving of a monkey, a Papuan canoe and a 70mm projector from the Orpheum Theatre in Cremorne. Other items include garden paraphernalia, household goods, rustic and provincial items like agricultural machinery and ladders, pottery, vintage lighting, old maps, art photography, vintage and antiquarian books and various other general old wares and artifacts. Rex, the biz owner, is also a fan of what he calls “strange scientific stuff” – like laboratory apparatus and test equipment. The shop also does prop hire.
Getting there:
From the Great Western Highway, turn right at the roundabout just after you cross the railway bridge. You’ll find Black Antiques spilling out onto the street just past the Todarello’s fruit and veg store.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
No. Black Antiques doesn’t buy from the general public.
20. Katoomba Antique Centre
Address: 116-118 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon & Wed 10am-3pm; Thur – Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 10am-3pm.
Contact: katoomba.antiquecentre116@gmail.com
What’s in store:
Manned by the big character of Steven Archer (auctioneer and valuer of Archers Auctioneers and Valuers fame), it’s a literal museum of treasures collected on his travels around the world. The relics here, mostly rare and unique cultural items, date from thousands of years old onward.
The treasures include art (from the Renaissance to the 18th century), Buddhist icons, pottery, textiles, rugs, crafts, antique books, furniture, jewellery, medals, old silver and Japanese woodcuts. There’s an attached photographic museum featuring old cameras from the 1840s to 1950s, a book library and coffee shop/vegetarian eatery.
Getting there:
Katoomba Antique Centre is just off the roundabout after you cross the rail line bridge into Katoomba off the Great Western Highway.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
No.
21. Memento Vintage & Antiques
Address: 69 Katoomba St Katoomba
Open hours: 7 days 10am-4pm
Contact: (02) 4782 4041
Socials: www.facebook.com/mementovintageandantiques; https://www.instagram.com/mementovintageandantiques
What’s in store:
An eclectic collection of objects. “We don’t discriminate against any item,” we’re told. Among the treasure hoard, you’ll find Pokemon cards, fossils, Roman oil lamps, prints, paintings, books, comics, CDs, cassette tapes and records, designer fashion, 80s to 90s vintage clothing, shoes including a huge range of sneakers (and a pair of vintage Air Jordans on the day of the author’s visit), wood-block etchings, antique jewellery and art in all forms and ages. You can pick up a 1960s penny for $2 or a 1970s Vietnamese propaganda photo for $780.
Getting there:
Memento is on the right hand side of Katoomba street as you head down the hill, just down from the Paragon Cafe (sadly still closed).
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Memento doesn’t buy stuff from the general public.
22. The Velvet Fog
Address: 76 Bathurst Rd Katoomba
Open hours: Tue – Sat 10am-5pm.
Contact: (02) 4782 5277; thevelvetfog@bigpond.com
Website: thevelvetfog.com.au
Socials: https://www.facebook.com/thevelvetfogrecords/, https://www.instagram.com/thevelvetfog/
What’s in store:
Old LPs, hi-fi equipment, CDs, DVDs and music books (including bios, band histories and musical encyclopaedias). About 95 per cent of sale items are secondhand, according to business owner, Paul Tatz.
Photos: courtesy of The Velvet Fog
Getting there:
The Velvet Fog is conveniently located directly across from Katoomba station.
Can you trade in your secondhand goods here?
Yes. Paul buys from the general public and reckons he pays decently. In fact, he has a running advertisement in the local paper. Call or visit the shop during opening hours. He doesn’t accept or sell musical items other than valve amplifiers.
Free Stuff
23. Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility
Address: 49 Woodlands Rd, Katoomba
Open hours: Mon – Fri 8am-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm
Contact: (02) 4780 5398
Website: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-rrwm-facility
What’s up for grabs?
The Reuse Shed offers free discarded but still useable items rescued from waste. Examples of potential finds include books, wardrobes, chairs and other household items.
Getting there:
The Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility is in North Katoomba on the same road as the Katoomba public hospital. To browse the Reuse Shed or bring in items, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time and wear closed footwear.
Bringing in unwanted items
To offload stuff directly at the waste facility costs $48 for the first 100 kg of mixed waste. To drop off a mattress costs $34. Take advantage of free council pickups (offered to locals) and free drop off of specific items like car batteries, x-ray films, fluorescent globes and tubes, paint and white goods. The facility has a new Textile Recovery Bin where you can drop off textiles including clothing, shoes, hats, belts, outdoor soft furnishings, linen, cushions, pillows, blankets and soft toys. All materials, however, must be in decent condition, free of stains and rips.
Donating Sustainably
- Secondhand stores don’t accept anything broken, stained, soiled, torn, wet or unusable or used underwear or socks. If you wouldn’t buy it yourself or gift it to a friend, don’t expect others will.
- Take donated items in during business hours. Avoid leaving items out where weather can wet or damage them.
- Know what stores take what. Avoid donating indiscriminately. If unsure, and for non-standard items, try calling.
- Electrical items in good, working condition are accepted by the Cancer Wellness Support Op Shop and Salvos, Katoomba.
- Be aware that Christian and animal welfare charity shops won’t accept items in conflict with their values, such as weapons, drug paraphernalia or fur.
- Take unsaleable items including textiles to the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility.
