A Sydney builder is hoping to revolutionise the way Australians buy, sell, and get rid of building products through a new app and online marketplace.
BuildBITS allows those in the building industry to sell excess or unwanted building products that might ordinarily be thrown into skip bins.
Husband and wife team Neil and Leisa Turrell created the service after growing tired of seeing reusable building materials taken to the tip.
“Many people, particularly outside of the building industry, would likely be shocked by the number of high-quality building products that go to waste from homes, businesses, construction sites and supplier yards, as well as by the expenses associated with disposal processes,” Turrell said.
“BuildBITS aims to mitigate these inefficiencies by providing Australians with a dedicated service to acquire building materials at low prices or for free, and to monetise leftover items for extra cash, providing a more cost effective and eco-friendly disposal option.”
The service works by having users take a picture of their materials, enter a short description and set a price. The products then appear for sale on BuildBITS.
BuildBITS has created partnerships with brands like Century 21 and Bendigo Bank, and local councils including Yarra City Council and Warringah Council.
Turrell said that while corporate support has spurred BuildBITS on, they’re now focusing on connecting with more government and environmental organisations to ensure the sustainability benefits of the service are being maximised.
“Our main goal is to expand the marketplace to a point where it makes a noticeable difference to waste reduction and recycling in Australia, and where building projects, for example, can be built mainly from BuildBITS excess materials,” Turrell said.