A new scheme to reduce household waste and tackle homelessness across Merseyside is launching two new charity reuse shops at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
The Emmaus Merseyside reuse shops, located at the HWRC’s in Sefton and Liverpool, will intercept good quality furniture and household items destined for landfill. The charity reuse shops will collect donations and sell goods, using the money generated to support formerly homeless people at Emmaus Merseyside.
Emmaus companions will work in the charity reuse shops as well as Emmaus Merseyside’s main charity superstore, located in a former joinery workshop on Sandy Road in Seaforth. These social enterprises generate money for the charity through the sale of donated, refurbished and upcycled furniture, household goods, clothes and vintage wares.
Emmaus Merseyside has partnered with Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia to launch the two new reuse shops.
Carl Beer, Chief Executive at MRWA, said: “I’m pleased that Emmaus are working with the Authority to increase the reuse of a whole host of items – many of which would have been destined for landfill – diverting these will save valuable resources and minimise costs for the Authority.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, MRWA Chairperson, said: “It’s great that all of these items will get a ‘second life’ – and the new shop provides the local community with an accessible resource to low cost items for their home.”
Jeff Sears, Director at Veolia, said: “Having a reuse shop at an existing Recycling Centre is a great way to change the way people deal with their unwanted items. The reuse shops offer the chance for items to get a new lease of life, alongside the recycling services already provided.”
Recycling isn’t just about separating out your weekly rubbish collections; many different materials can be rescued from landfill and put to good use. Last year, Emmaus communities across the UK saved more than 3,000 tonnes of waste from going to landfill.
The first Emmaus Merseyside charity reuse shop is now open and located at South Sefton Household Waste Recycling Centre, Irlam Road, Bootle, Sefton L20 4AE. Emmaus Merseyside will soon be opening a second reuse shop at Old Swan Household Waste Recycling Centre, Cheadle Avenue, Liverpool L13 3AF.
To find out more or support Emmaus head to www.emmaus.org.uk/merseyside. If you would like to get involved or donate an item contact 0151 928 1588 or visit the visit the Emmaus charity reuse shops or superstore at 38 Sandy Road, Seaforth, Sefton L21 3TW.