Working together to support our local communities and the environment!

A pioneering reuse initiative at the Redditch Household Recycling Centre has achieved remarkable success over the past six months, diverting valuable items from landfill while generating essential funds for local charities.

The project, delivered through a collaboration between Worcestershire County Council, Severn Waste Services, Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre and oursleves, has already made a significant positive impact.

As part of the scheme, a dedicated reuse container has been installed at the Recycling Centre, giving residents a convenient way to donate good-quality items they no longer need. Instead of being thrown away, these donations are collected, sorted, and sold in charity shops operated by Primrose Hospice and Age UK North Worcestershire. Every sale directly supports local people and vital community services.

Cllr Ian Cresswell, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We are delighted that this partnership is working so well, and the volume of materials being reused is testament to the scheme’s success. As a result, we now have reuse containers at nine of our Household Recycling Centres, all supporting local charities and helping to divert materials out of the waste stream and into charity shops.”

"We are thrilled with the success of this project," said Amanda Allan CEO of Age UK North Worcestershire, “Not only are we reducing waste and promoting sustainability, but we're also raising money to provide our important local services and make a real difference for our community."

"We really appreciate the support from the Council and Severn Waste Services to make this collaboration possible," said Ian McRoy, Retail Manager at Primrose Hospice. "This has been a huge success due to partnership working between the charities and organisations working closely together."

Michael Hornby, Senior Operations Manager at Severn Waste Services, who are the contractor for Worcestershire County Council, echoed the sentiment saying “We are delighted to work with our valued partners to ensure the success of this initiative. Together we are making significant changes in how pre-loved items can be reused and given a new lease of life while raising vital funds for our partners and reducing the impact on landfill use.”

This initiative not only reduces waste and supports Worcestershire’s commitment to sustainability but also offers residents a simple and meaningful way to give back to their community.

For more information on the locations of the reuse containers visit www.letswasteless.com.