Giving items a second life - New reuse shop opens at Blackburn HWRC

The shop allows reusable household items to be recovered before they are thrown away and made available for others to buy. It forms part of the ongoing partnership between SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and Blackburn with Darwen Council, supporting the council’s aims to cut waste and increase recycling.

By keeping usable items in circulation for longer, the reuse shop helps prevent unnecessary disposal, reduces demand for new materials and supports a more sustainable approach to managing waste locally.

The opening was marked by a small launch attended by representatives from Blackburn with Darwen Council, SUEZ and site staff at the HWRC, celebrating the introduction of the new facility for residents.

In addition to helping reduce waste, the shop will support the local community. Last year, SUEZ organised several reuse initiatives where items collected at local recycling centres were donated to local charities including The Children’s Storehouse and Nightsafe, continuing efforts to ensure usable goods are put to positive use. SUEZ is also a patron of the Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone and recently supported its Christmas Family Fun Day by hosting a reuse stall, helping to raise awareness of reuse and providing affordable gifts to local families.

Victoria Crabtree, Regional Manager at SUEZ, said: “The new reuse shop is a simple but effective way of cutting waste. Every item sold here is something that hasn’t been thrown away and hasn’t needed to be replaced with something new. By working with Blackburn with Darwen Council, we are making it easier for residents to donate items they no longer need and for others to pick up good quality, affordable goods, while also supporting the council’s sustainability goals.”

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Resident Services at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer a brand-new option for residents of the borough to dispose of items that might have otherwise been thrown away.

“Having the Reuse Shop will not only mean that there’s a suitable outlet for items that are in good condition but also gives the opportunity to others to buy them at a much lower cost than they would usually be. This fits with our ambition to deliver our climate emergency action plan, by allowing more items to be recycled, rather than potentially being sent to landfill.

“I look forward to seeing residents use the shop to its full potential.”

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 reuse shop offers a local solution. Residents visiting the HWRC are encouraged to donate suitable items, with staff on hand to advise what can be accepted. Every donation helps support reuse and keeps valuable items from going to waste.

To visit the shop, please arrive by car to Blackburn HWRC, George Street West, BB2 1PQ. The shop is open every day except Wednesdays, from 10am to 2pm. When accessing site, you will need to prove you live in the borough, please bring proof of your address including a council tax letter, utility bill or photo ID.