The Denmark Tip Shop and Recycling Centre was established by Green Skills in 2001, at the Denmark Waste Transfer Station with the approval of the Shire of Denmark.
The Tip Shop diverts materials from landfill to reduce resource consumption. It is based on the understanding a large percentage of that material can be reused without any processing.
In its first year of operation, the Tip Shop diverted 100 cubic meters from landfill. Since that time, the Tip Shop has become a major feature of the Denmark town and community. The Tip Shop has diverted more than 3,000 cubic metres of materials from landfill to date.
Toxic substances, such as car batteries are collected and recycled for their lead content. Aluminium and copper are also recycled. Materials collected and sold at the Tip Shop include household and garden furniture, books, clothes, toys, tools, crockery, and building materials.
The Tip Shop provides a social as well as environmental service to the local community through supporting lower income families and individuals. Finances generated through sales at the Tip Shop have enabled the Recycling Centre to become self sustaining and able to employ five people on a part time basis, and run a volunteering and disability employment program.
Improvements are happening all the time at the Tip Shop. In 2016 and 2017 new sheds have been built, the car park bitumised and a new tractor and truck acquired.