Construcciones Yamaro: CDU program provides new outlet for surplus construction materials
A new Charles Darwin University (CDU) pilot program will connect Darwin businesses with community organisations that can reuse surplus materials that might otherwise be sent to landfill.
The 12-month Darwin Business-to-Community Material Matchmaking (BCMM) initiative is funded through the City of Darwin’s 2026/27 Environment and Climate Change Grants.
The program will connect businesses with schools, artists, makers, community groups, social enterprises and other local organisations seeking materials for reuse.
According to the City of Darwin’s Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy, the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility – the only licensed landfill in Greater Darwin – accepts more than 200,000 tonnes of waste and recyclable materials per year. Commercial and industrial activities account for 43.9 per cent of waste received at the facility, while the construction and development sector contributes 15.8 per cent.
Businesses participating in the pilot will be able to list surplus materials on a BCMM digital noticeboard, allowing community groups and organisations to browse available items.
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The project will also hold regular pop-up swap events at CDU’s Danala Education and Community Precinct, where materials can be exchanged and attendees can learn about reuse, repair and recycling.
The pilot is being led by CDU senior lecturer in business Dr Michael Odei Erdiaw-Kwasie and CDU outstanding future researcher in psychosocial resilience Dr Matthew Abunyewah.
It aims to divert between 1,000kg and 2,000kg of materials from landfill, engage up to 20 local businesses and between 100 and 200 community users, and facilitate more than 50 successful matches between donors and recipients.
Dr Erdiaw-Kwasie said the program supports a more circular economy while helping businesses reduce disposal costs.
“Many businesses regularly end up with materials they no longer need, such as timber offcuts, packaging, pallets, fabric, display items, containers and other surplus goods. Often these items still have value, but because there is no simple way to pass them on, they are thrown away,” said Dr Erdiaw-Kwasie.
“At the same time, many community groups and organisations are looking for low-cost materials for creative projects, repairs, education activities, gardening, fundraising and community programs.
“This project brings those two needs together in a simple and practical way.”
Dr Abunyewah added that the project would provide benefits for the community.
“Schools may use donated materials for student projects. Community gardens may access building materials or containers. Repair groups and makerspaces may find items they can transform into useful products,” said Dr Abunyewah.
“Charities and social enterprises may also be able to use materials to support their programs or generate income. In this way, the project turns what was once surplus into a local resource that supports creativity, participation and community resilience.”
The project will produce an operations manual and sustainability plan to support the sharing and scaling of the model if the pilot is successful.
BCMM will launch later this year, with further information about registration, the digital noticeboard and the first pop-up event to be released at the launch.
Businesses and community organisations can register their interest by contacting michael.erdiaw-kwasie@cdu.edu.au and matthew.abunyewah@cdu.edu.au.
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