Somerset Council partners with British Heart Foundation to give bulky waste a second life
Furniture collections bring affordability and eco-friendly benefits to Somerset
Tables, chairs, sofas, and various other large household items in Somerset are set to gain new homes thanks to a reuse initiative between Somerset Council and their collection partner, SUEZ.
The collaboration with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) aims to provide a second life for reusable and unwanted bulky items.
Rather than being recycled, these items are now transported to the SUEZ depot in Bridgwater, where they undergo assessment.
Appropriate items are then handed over for resale at the BHF store in Taunton.
This initiative not only makes good-quality furniture more accessible for Somerset's residents but also raises funds for the charity.
Though recycling is beneficial, reducing consumption, reusing, and repairing before recycling is more environmentally friendly.
Such partnerships with community groups and charities extend the life of products while contributing to a charitable cause.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said, “This is a great initiative, we want to make it as simple as possible for our pre-loved items to be loved for longer. We know our residents care about the environment, and this partnership makes it even easier to do the right thing with the items they no longer use.”
Matt Canning, Contract Director at SUEZ, said, “This initiative is about recognising the value in items that might otherwise be thrown away. By partnering with the British Heart Foundation, we’re able to reuse good-quality furniture and find it a new home instead of going to waste.”
Dan Wood, Area Manager at the British Heart Foundation, added, “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with SUEZ and Somerset Council. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and reuse, while helping to fund our lifesaving research. It’s a great example of how partnerships with local organisations can create positive environmental and social impact.”
The BHF runs second-hand charity furniture shops across Britain and sells items for reuse.
Residents can book a bulky collection via the Somerset Council website, indicating their approval for items to be reused.
Items must be in good condition, functioning order, and possess necessary fire safety tags.
Items deemed unsuitable for resale will be responsibly recycled.