Residents benefit as Renew Greater Manchester celebrates five years of success with 600,000 items saved from waste
Delivered through a partnership between Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and SUEZ, Renew gives unwanted items a second life by collecting, repairing and then reselling them through three Renew shops and online channels, helping residents access quality goods at lower prices while reducing waste. Due to the growing success over the five years of operation, the Renew footprint has expanded to include regular pop-up markets at the Renew Hub in Trafford Park and weekend pop-ups at Cobden Street recycling centre in Salford.
From furniture and homeware to children's toys, bicycles and electrical items, 605,998 pre-loved items have been made available to residents at affordable prices, helping households stretch their budgets during challenging economic times.
The scheme's impact extends beyond the items it saves. More than £1.3 million has been awarded to 128 projects through the Renew Community Fund, supporting organisations that help residents repair, share, borrow and reuse items in their local communities.
The latest recipients of the fund will be announced shortly, adding to the growing network of community groups using the funding to support sustainable living, reduce waste and provide practical help to residents across Greater Manchester.
Renew has also donated £600,000 to the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, supporting its work tackling homelessness, including the A Bed Every Night scheme.
Together, these contributions mean £1.9 million has been invested in local communities and charitable causes across Greater Manchester over the last five years.
Daniel Carolan Greater Manchester Contract Director for SUEZ, said: “Renew is making a real difference to people across Greater Manchester. By giving unwanted items a second life, we're helping residents access affordable goods while also generating funding for community projects and local charities. Thanks to the support of Greater Manchester residents, over 600,000 items have been reused rather than thrown away, creating lasting benefits for communities across the city-region.”
Cllr Tom Ross, GMCA lead for Recycling and Waste, said: “The milestone is a testament to the dedicated team of repairers who give unwanted items a new lease of life. Thank you to everyone who has donated or bought an item from Renew, you are helping to support communities across Greater Manchester. The Renew project provide families with access to affordable essentials like homeware, children’s toys and bikes but it also raises vital funds for community projects like repair cafes and school uniform sharing schemes.”
As well as supporting residents and community organisations, Renew is continuing to grow to meet increasing demand for affordable essential across Greater Manchester.
Renew is also helping to create opportunities for local people. Since 2021, the programme has created 20 green jobs and supported the recruitment of three furniture restoration apprentices and one bicycle mechanic apprentice at the Renew Hub.
By combining affordable shopping, investment in local communities and support for charities and community groups, Renew continues to demonstrate how reuse can deliver real benefits for people across Greater Manchester. Every item donated helps create value twice: once for the person who purchases it at an affordable price, and again through the funding generated for community projects and charitable causes throughout the city-region.