The 48er-Tandler is a modern reuse shop initiative by the City of Vienna, promoting circular economy principles and waste prevention while making reuse attractive and accessible to a broad audience.
STORE OPERATIONS AND SOURCES
The first 48er-Tandler store opened in Vienna’s 5th district in 2015, followed by a second branch in the city’s northern area in 2022. The second-hand items sold are collected from Viennese recycling centres, recovered as unclaimed goods from the city’s lost and found service, or sourced from discarded materials within the city administration. With its contemporary design and wide product range, the shop attracts a broad segment of the population, welcoming approximately 223,000 visitors each year.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Beyond its environmental mission, 48er-Tandler supports social causes by donating all revenues to Viennese charities, including animal welfare organisations. It also regularly provides material donations to social groups supporting homeless people and refugees in and around Vienna. In 2024, the project helped avoid 361 tonnes of waste, saved 8,015 tonnes in total material requirement (TMR), and achieved CO₂-equivalent savings of 2,102 tonnes.
AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Raising public awareness is a key challenge for reuse and waste prevention. To address this, 48er-Tandler organises campaigns, informational materials, and events covering climate protection, waste prevention, and circular economy topics. Activities include repair cafés, clothing swaps, exhibitions (such as on fast fashion), children’s theatre performances, and the annual “Orange Week”. The Orange Week, held every November, promotes sustainable consumption and repair of goods as a mindful alternative to Black Friday. Through these efforts, reuse and second-hand goods have become increasingly socially accepted and appealing to a wider audience in Vienna.
