Chance to donate unwanted items to the Re-use shops at recycling centres

As the decorations go up and space becomes a premium in homes across the county, residents of Suffolk are being urged to free up space by donating good quality items no longer needed for re-use.

Artificial Christmas trees and last season’s decorations, as well as old books and toys or even furniture and sports equipment can be donated at all Recycling Centres when you visit or directly at the two Re-use shops at Bury St Edmunds and Foxhall where pre-loved items are re-sold to benefit those in need.

In order to manage visitor numbers on sites and maintain the health and safety of both visitors and staff, visitors to recycling centres must make a booking beforehand. Bookings aren’t necessary to donate directly or buy from the Re-use shops but there will be no access to the recycling centre without one.

Cassie Webster, general manager of Materials Trading at FCC Environment, speaks on behalf of the partnership between FCC, Suffolk County Council and The Benjamin Foundation.

She said: “We were delighted to be able to re-open both shops to the public on December 2 in time for Christmas and residents are indeed coming back in to the shops to ‘bag a bargain’ but we have seen a real drop in the volume of good quality items which we can make available in the shops.

“How residents donate has changed due to Covid of course, for example, people need to book a slot to visit the Recycling Centre and we are unable to help with the unloading of cars for the safety of the public and of our staff.

“In addition, donations can be made directly to the two shops but there is a clearly marked re-use area at all of our 11 recycling centers across Suffolk where pre-loved items can be left. We promise they will be given a good new home, and will contribute towards providing vital services within Suffolk.

“With Christmas approaching, it’s a really good time to have a clear out, of old decorations and unwanted items to free up some space and help a good cause at the same time” concluded Cassie.

Paul West, Cabinet Member for waste at Suffolk County Council, said: ‘We were delighted to re-open our re-use shops at Foxhall and Bury as part of our drive to increase re-use and recycling in the County in time for Christmas.

“By donating to and purchasing items from our re-use shops, you are not only extending the life and use of the items instead of throwing them away, you are supporting local charities who undertake vital and critical work in the county of Suffolk. This in turn supports Suffolk’s goals to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste before it gets thrown away, whenever possible.”

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