Officeworks launches new stationery repurposing program

Classrooms across the country are helping vulnerable and disadvantaged students as part of a clever initiative all Australians can help with.

Classrooms across the country are repurposing quality stationery supplies to help vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

Pens that still work, unused notebooks and other school supplies are being donated through Officeworks’ Bring it Back program.

The initiative supports Officeworks’ community partners Stationery Aid, Give Write and Green Collect, who connect the stationery with students in need.

It’s also designed to reduce waste by keeping quality stationery supplies in circulation.

Teachers, students and Officeworks customers can now drop off usable school supplies at any store via the Bring it Back chutes.

The repurposing of usable stationery items expands on Officeworks’ pen and marker recycling program.

Brookfield State School students Lizzie Rieker, Hadley Taylor and Layla Stewart, with deputy principal Leah Cathcart and Stationary Aid’s Alison Schutt, with stationery for the repurposing program. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Courier-Mail

“By expanding the Bring it Back Program to add on stationery repurposing, we’re giving customers a powerful way to reduce waste and support students – all in one action,” Officeworks sustainability manager Alex White said.

Stationery Aid and Give Write trialled the program in Officeworks stores in Queensland and Western Australia. In Queensland, the trial collected enough stationery supplies to support 253 disadvantaged students with complete school booklists.

“Our partnership with Officeworks helps us support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students to start the school year and transition to new schools throughout the year,” Stationery Aid co-founding director Alison Schutt said.

“We’ve seen how powerful local action can be and are excited to be scaling Queensland-wide to make an even bigger impact on the environment and students in need.”

Give Write will lead the expanded program in WA, while Green Collect will run it in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales.

Originally published as Officeworks launches new stationery repurposing program