6 November 2009 - Fun and Games at the Big Aussie Swap Party

The date for the Big Aussie Swap Party is fast approaching and it's time to learn the rules for this fun event which will be the centrepiece of Coffs Harbour's National Recycling Week.

"All of us have good quality items or clothes around the house that we no longer want or use, but someone else can,"said Councillor John Arkan.

"Swapping your unwanted goods and finding something you want at the same time is the ultimate way to recycle. Plus there's the added excitement of getting something for nothing - and we all love to do that."

The environmental benefits to swapping, rather than discarding unwanted items, are that it keeps quality resources in use and materials out of landfill. In addition, reusing items saves water, saves energy and reduces carbon emissions.

The Coffs Harbour Big Aussie Swap will be held in City Square, Harbour Drive, on November 10 from 11.30am until 1.30pm.

What can be swapped? - Clothes, shoes, jewellery, books and magazines, homewares and ornaments. No broken items, electrical goods or children's toys.

Anyone coming along can can drop off and take home up to five items. People who pick up something of value will be asked to make a donation to the Smith Family charity on the day.

For each item brought to the Big Aussie Swap party, the participant will receive a token which is then exchanged as payment for another item.

"The great thing about this Swap Party is that you can update your wardrobe or book collection without spending any money," said Cr Arkan.

A further bonus for participants is the chance to win a 'Greener Cleaner' pack from Orange Power with a prize pack, containing a variety of bathroom, laundry and kitchen cleaning products valued at $45 or one of two Growers Market hampers worth $50.

For more information on recycling or National Recycling Week, go to RecyclingWeek.PlanetArk.org

For more information about recycling in the Coffs Harbour local government area, go towww.coffswaste.com.au