A new report reveals that nearly $4.5 billion worth of new, unsold consumer goods are wasted every year in Australia.
The analysis from Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by Good360 Australia, shows that the value of unsold retail goods wasted in Australia has risen by 17% since 2021 and now sits at $2.9 billion per year. The rise of online shopping returns is adding even more to the volume of goods wasted (more than $1.5 billion).
Toiletries, cleaning supplies and infant supplies have seen the most significant growth, with estimated waste growing 33% from 2021 to 2024 in nominal terms. Many of these goods are urgently needed, with recent Good360 research revealing that 82% of charities and disadvantaged schools across Australia say demand for essential items such as hygiene products, clothing, furniture and education supplies has never been higher.
10 years of operation
The release of the report comes as Good360 Australia marks its 10th anniversary, having spent the past decade connecting unsold goods donated by businesses to people in need Australia-wide via a national network of over 4800 charities and disadvantaged schools. Since 2015, Good360 has redistributed over 43.7 million brand new items, helping more than 4.8 million people and avoiding 7,616 tonnes of waste.
“Over the last 10 years, we are proud to have connected $500 million dollars’ worth of unsold goods to people in Australia doing it tough,” says Good360 Australia Founder and Managing Director Alison Covington AM.
“This includes everyday brand-new essentials that have restored dignity, brought relief and given hope to our most vulnerable. We thank everyone who has been on this journey with us, including our retail partners, supporters and funders, and our charity and school member network across Australia.”
More to be done
Ms Covington says the new report from Deloitte Access Economics shows there is much more that can be done.
“As Good360 successfully grows to solve the problem of wasted new goods, the opportunity to do more keeps growing too. We are seeing rising levels of waste on one side, and record levels of need on the other,” she says.
“Good360 offers a smart, proven and efficient way to reduce both need and waste across Australia and deliver real value for businesses and communities, and we’re excited to be embarking on a new phase of even greater ambition and impact.”
Good360 Australia is calling on more retailers, brands and businesses to be part of the solution.
The charity’s newly appointed Chair, James Atkins, says: “To businesses who haven’t yet worked with us – now is the time. Please reach out, connect with us, and see how we can help. If your business is holding onto aged inventory, returns, or unsold stock, items that are costing you money to store or discard, please partner with us. We’ll make sure they go to people who need them, right across the country.”
The new report also highlights the important role that governments can play in unlocking large-scale solutions.
“There is a clear opportunity for governments to support the scaling of efficient delivery of non-food aid, just as they have done successfully in the food waste sector. It’s smart, non-inflationary, and good for people and our planet,” says Mr Atkins.
“By working together, we can reduce waste and need, lower costs, and create a more prosperous and thriving country.”
