FAQ

Where did The Junk Wave name come from?

Reuse and Recycle was taken (Char Paul previously had a free wordpress blog, reuseandrecyclecairns.wordpress.com). Recyclabull was taken. Private Junk was unavailable. The next most voted for domain name was The Junk Wave. The three starters of The Junk Wave particularly love The Junk Wave because we all live in tropical Far North Queensland, in Cairns, right on the Great Barrier Reef. Ocean and marine life is our way of life. Environmental and green issues are very much a way of life for us because we so badly want you to come and see our magnificent rainforests and our spectacular coral reefs. The thought of junk washing into the ocean and killing marine and bird life fitted nicely with The Junk Wave because it correlates junk, ocean and the submerged islands of jelly waste that are floating around out there.

What is your Mission and Vision statement:

Our International Mission that The Junk Wave chose to accept is to make junk precious. Through intentional teaching and teachable moments, we spread our recycling passion to protect the oceans and landfill from toxic household waste so that tomorrows children can experience a nice environment. We do this through recycled craft workshops, recycled craft “how to” bags, selling supported home based business chapters of The Junk Wave across the globe and generating ideas when we talk with people like you. Our difference is that we make the individual powerful and responsible in sustainable waste management by helping them turn their household waste to craft treasure. Our vision is to teach every craft lover in the world how to protect their environment through smart art (recycled craft) thinking and playing. We aim to empower individuals to save the environment through mass action of individual home based effort. Making junk precious: that is The Junk Wave.

How clean is clean for junk?

Megan Bayliss washes what she can in very hot water with detergent and vinegar (vinegar kills most common bacteria). But, you have to take your own precautions as well and rewash if you are worried.

Can I buy at any time?

Yes, you can. You can buy a box of junk for $30.00 (you have to come and pick it up though).  You can also buy a container of a single item (like all plastic lids for example) for $3.00 or buy 4 containers (different junk treasures in each container) for $10.00. A box for $30.00 contains 12 containers.

Why did you get into junk?

Becoming a grandmother made Megan Bayliss think about what was around when she was a kid that is not part of suburban culture now. It scared her. She wants her grandchildren to experience wildlife, especially the magnificent marine life we have in FNQ. Individually, Char and Megan’s environmental efforts seemed small compared to what we could do  together. Hence, we joined forces to help other people keep their waste out of storm drains and landfill too….and then My Other Mum Training (MOM) College got involved….it was clearly Megan’s passion so when she left MOM, they let her take The Junk Wave with her. Yeehaw!

What do you accept?

We do household waste. Below is a non exhaustive list, just know that whatever you’ve got, as long as it’s not toxic, we will use somehow. Our customers like the unusual and things that they cannot easily get or don’t have the time to clean/process.

Throw us ALL plastic lids and bottles (Megan is CRAZY for milk bottles!), cutlery, containers, aluminium cans, old CDs, packaging, wine wires, corks, old cards, pens, keyboards, etc. If in doubt, put it in your collection box and we’ll make the decision to use it or recycle it elsewhere.

Do proceeds go to charity?

No. However, we are a social enterprise and we are a business member of CAFNEC. We help other people help themselves, in a sustainable way.  We operate a business model on a triple bottom line: financial, social and environmental. Our corporate social responsibility is toward youth at risk and the sustainability of our tropical environment.

We encourage giving and community development by everyone. How and who you give to is up to you. We give to our community.

How do I pay?

We can tax invoice you or you can do a direct credit to Megan Bayliss’ account. Similarly, you can pay cash and you will be issued a tax receipt. Pay Pal works for us too.

When will I get my order?

One off order: Come and pick it up, baby Other orders: speak to Megan to see if there is a The Junk Wave chapter in your area. It may be that you don’t have to add to oil consumption and have a box of treasure sent to you.

Can I specify what I want in my box?

Sure. Themed boxes really help your program planning so be sure to let us know what you are planning. We cannot guarantee we will have things to exactly suit but we will do our darnedest to make sure you get stuff you can use. For example: if you are doing an “Under the Sea” theme, we will aim to fill your box with blue materials, shell/star fish shaped plastics, nets, etc.

I just want a bag of junk. Can you help me?

Maybe. We have bags of plastic discards (margarine/yogurt containers, milk bottle cut outs, etc) or cardboard construction bags (boxes, card, etc). These are $10.00 each and make a nice collage box add on. Everything is clean but some things are really scraps and only suitable for gluing. Other things are great for building future cities and space stations.

Can I come and view all your resources?

No. In Cairns we visit the Family Fun Markets at the Pier. Come there to see all the recycled craft “how to” bags we offer.

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