The Green Shed

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Posted 2015-10-04 by Sue W ⇒ follow

As I write this article, I am aware that "" is not for everyone. Locally it is also called "The Tip Shop" as that is what it is - goods salvaged from the tip or dropped off by the public that can be sold. Most of it is dirty or broken, but if you enjoy the challenge of finding treasure to do up or fix, then this shed will keep you entertained for hours.

is run in conjunction with the ACT Government to keep saleable items out of landfill. On certain days throughout the year it gives all their proceeds to charity - at the time of writing they have donated $270,000 to local charities. There is a Green Shed in Symonston ( less than 15 minutes south of the CBD), a bigger Green Shed in Mitchell ( less than 15 minutes north of the CBD) and a Green Shed Shop and Café in the Civic which sells homeware items. See here for maps.

There is a lot of interest in the last few years in creating your own garden sculpture using a variety of old machinery parts and welding them together. The man behind the counter at Symonston said machinery parts and metal are hot sellers for this reason and anything else that is a project to "do up".

The shop is set out into departments so you can look at books, electrical, furniture, piano's, sporting goods, toys, lighting fixtures, bags, suitcases...and that is just inside.

I personally enjoy as I enjoy buying old wooden furniture ( for $10 - $30), sanding it back, painting it up and giving it a new lease on life. In the past we have also bought a dollhouse to repaint ($20), a Dora pretend kitchen with a broken base ($10), rocking horse to repaint ($20) and toybox that needed a sand and stain job ($15).

When you go outside there are bikes, surfboards, ski's, lawnmowers, gates, windows, wood, pots, bathroom vanities, tiles, outdoor furniture, outdoor play equipment, exercise equipment and more.

If you enjoy mosaic, there are piles of cheap tiles to buy that you can smash up. If your gate at home is broken, there are dozens lined up to buy. If you have been looking for a piece of furniture that needs to be an exact size there are hundreds to choose from. It is the searching and exploring that is the fun part of "" - looking to be inspired.

If you are a handyperson, creator, bargain hunter or simply enjoy finding treasure amongst the trash, then this place is sure to inspire.

Be warned - you usually walk out of here buying something that you didn't even realise that you needed!