
Unwanted items collected through East Suffolk Council’s bulky waste scheme are now being made available for reuse through a local charity.
A trial scheme is now underway in the north of East Suffolk which will enable East Suffolk Services Ltd, who collect bulky items on the Council’s behalf, to divert items in good condition to the Benjamin Foundation. Items can then be sold through the charity’s furniture and electricals store at Phoenix Enterprise Park in Lowestoft.
Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the Environment said: “Diverting good quality furniture and household items collected via our bulky waste scheme to the Benjamin Foundation allows these items to be reused and repurposed. Many items collected through the scheme are in good condition with plenty of life left in them and so it is an excellent opportunity to prevent these items from going to incineration and instead prolongs their life. We are keen to promote a circular economy in East Suffolk and are encouraging residents to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. As well as reducing waste, buying these pre-loved items is far cheaper than buying new and the proceeds go towards helping our local young people.”
Paul Sinclair, Operations Manager at Ben’s Social Enterprise said: “The Benjamin Foundation are excited to be supporting East Suffolk Council with their continued efforts to reduce waste and ensure items which can be reused find a new home. We have been overwhelmed by the support our new store at Phoenix enterprise park in Lowestoft has received, with hundreds of furniture and electrical items being sold in the first six months providing vital funds to further support our work supporting children, young people and families. We are on Facebook, so if you’re not following us yet click like and ensure you keep up to date with new items, events instore and more information about how your purchase and donations can have a positive impact in your local area.”
If successful, the scheme may be introduced in the south of East Suffolk in future.
The Benjamin Foundation is one of East Anglia's largest charities, focused on tackling youth homelessness, providing Early Years education, youth and family support, and emotional wellbeing and mental health services to children, young people and families.
The Benjamin Foundation also has re-use shops at the Foxhall and Bury St Edmunds Recycling Centres, which are operated by Suffolk County Council.
The Council's bulky waste service allows residents to dispose of up to three items for a fixed cost of £51.50, and includes the collection of sofas, beds, washing machines, televisions, cookers, bicycles and more. Additional items can be collected at £17.50 per item.
Find out more about the bulky waste collection service, and book a collection.