Waste Not, Want Not - New Reuse Shop opens at Tees Valley recycling centre
The shop is a key part of the recently agreed extension to the HWRC contract to 2031, continuing 25 years of partnership between SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough councils.
The two councils have set ambitious net-zero and recycling targets, and the shop helps deliver on those by preventing items from entering the waste stream, creating local economic value, and reducing our consumption of the planet’s resources. The shop is part of SUEZ’s commitment to working across the waste hierarchy – prioritising waste prevention and increasing reuse and recycling and reducing the volume of residual waste sent for disposal.
The event was attended by representatives from Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough councils and SUEZ, and who joined site staff to celebrate the milestone. The shop was officially opened with a ribbon cutting by Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Council and Cllr Peter Gavigan Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability at Middlesbrough Council, alongside Steve Patterson, Regional Director at SUEZ.
Mr. Patterson, said: “We are delighted to open the Teesside Reuse Shop alongside our local partners. It was great to see the first customers come through the door and items finding new homes. The shop is an example of how we can all play our part in reducing waste and creating value for our communities.”
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Environment & Sustainability, said: “Too many appliances and other household items are simply thrown away long before the end of their useful life.
“The new Reuse Shop at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre will find new homes and owners for many of these items, and that can only be a good thing for the environment.
“This fantastic initiative is not just cutting down on waste, but helping people save money and contribute to a greener borough.”
Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “Working with our partners, we are excited to be able to offer a Reuse Shop to residents across Stockton-on-Tees, allowing the repurposing of still useful items which would otherwise have been disposed of.
“This initiative ties in with our targets to increase recycling and reuse rates in the Borough, while also helping the environment and of course offers residents a practical way to save money and bag a bargain!”
Reuse is a growing focus across the UK. According to SUEZ’s most recent report, Repair, Reuse, Reform – How to accelerate progress to a circular economy, UK households and businesses throw away two million tonnes of electrical appliances every year and discard 70 million different household items.
The new Teesside Reuse Shop is designed to change that locally – giving residents an easy way to donate and buy items, while contributing to a more sustainable circular economy. Residents are encouraged to donate suitable items for reuse. Staff on site can advise what items can be accepted, and every donation helps stock the shop with affordable, quality items for others in the community.