Allington Reuse Shop offers eco-friendly post-Christmas solutions
Donate unwanted items and recycle festive waste responsibly
As the festive period comes to an end, Kent residents are encouraged to recycle Christmas waste responsibly and consider donating unwanted items to the Allington Reuse Shop.
The site, located at the Allington Household Waste Recycling Centre, is part of Kent County Council’s (KCC) commitment to sustainability and community support through its Nothing Wasted campaign.
The shop was launched in partnership with FCC Environment to promote reuse and the circular economy, giving pre-loved items a second life while reducing waste.
Items including toys, furniture, and household goods can be donated to the shop where they are refreshed and resold at affordable prices.
David Wimble, KCC Cabinet Member for the Environment, recently visited Allington and highlighted the importance of reuse initiatives. “This is a great place for residents to give something back after the festive season. Members of the public can donate items with life left in them or shop for quality second-hand goods at bargain prices,” the Reform Coucillor said.
What makes reuse shops unique?
The Allington Reuse Shop accepts items collected from Kent’s other HWRCs, such as those in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, and Canterbury.
It allows residents to drop off useful goods rather than throwing them away, helping to save money, support local charities, and reduce landfill waste.
Councillor Wimble shared, “For every tonne we can reuse instead of sending to incineration, we save £165."
"This not only benefits the environment but reduces the strain on the council’s budget, helping to manage costs like council tax better. With 220,000 tonnes of waste processed annually costing £80 million, reuse is a win-win for everyone” says the Romney Marsh councillor.
Donating and shopping made easy
Visitors to the Allington Reuse Shop do not need an appointment to donate or browse. Customers can drop off anything from toys and books to furniture, household goods, and even musical instruments—though some items may not be suitable if beyond reuse.
“Everything is checked to ensure it’s safe and ready for a second chance at life. For example, bikes are safety checked and serviced by inmates on the Isle of Sheppey, providing valuable skills as part of a great environmental and community initiative,” Councillor Wimble said.
Festive waste tips for Kent residents
Christmas trees: Donate to hospices like Pilgrims Hospice or Mid Kent Hospice, or bring trees to a household waste recycling centre where they’ll be repurposed into biodegradable mulch or landscaping material.
Wrapping paper: Use the crunch test to identify recyclable paper. If it stays balled up, it’s recyclable; if it springs open, it contains plastic and can’t be recycled as paper.
Food waste: Use food bins and keep scraps together. Even turkey carcasses and bones can be added and recycled. Never mix food waste with paper waste as it contaminates recycling.
Containers and packaging: Rinse out food residue and recycle properly to prevent contamination.
Councillor Wimble added, “By taking these simple steps, residents can reduce waste disposal costs and minimize the environmental impact. The winner is ultimately you—your council tax won’t rise as much as it would otherwise.”
A commitment to sustainability
A portion of profits from the Allington Reuse shop is donated to organisations such as SATEDA and the Young Lives Foundation.
Councillor Wimble said, “This shop represents our commitment to reuse, recycling, and giving back to the community. It’s my pledge to Kent residents that we will continue opening more of these sites to create sustainable solutions and foster community support for years to come.”
For more information on Allington Reuse Shop or to book an appointment at the HWRC, visit Allington Household Waste Recycling Centre .