Reuse shop will benefit charity and aid recycling

Emma StanleyNorth West
News imageBwD Council Victoria Crabtree and councillor Jim Smith outside the shop, which is a large green shipping container with windows. Victoris is standing to the left of a sign that says 'reuse small shop, big impact'. She is wearing an orange high vis vest and is smiling. Jim stands at the other side in a grey coat and jeans pointing at the signBwD Council
Victoria Crabtree and councillor Jim Smith say the shop is an effective way of cutting waste

Proceeds from a second-hand shop, where residents can donate or buy preloved items at the local tip, will go to help local charities, organisers said.

The shop, at Blackburn Household Waste Recycling Centre, on George Street, will benefit several charities including The Children's Storehouse and Nightsafe, the council said.

It would also aim to help to increase recycling rates by extending the life of items that would otherwise be thrown away and sent to landfill.

Victoria Crabtree, regional manager at SUEZ, who run the tip on behalf of the council, said: "The new reuse shop is a simple but effective way of cutting waste."

'Affordable goods'

"Every item sold here is something that hasn't been thrown away and hasn't needed to be replaced with something new," she said.

"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: "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."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.