Furnishing an environmental need
A furniture reuse scheme, which takes quality second-hand furniture and gets it to households who need it, is proving more and more popular.
In the last three months the 2nd Chance scheme based in Weddington in Nuneaton, has seen a 79% increase in business over the last three months.
The scheme is supported by Warwickshire Waste Partnership, of which Warwickshire County Council is a member, and works by residents ringing in to the project to find out if the project wants the item of furniture, (furniture should be in a good state, otherwise it is turned down).
The collection is made and the project asks for a collection donation of £5 to help with the cost of collection. It would cost the resident £15 or more for collection by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council as part of the bulky waste service.
The same applies for delivery, a donation is asked for, with the cost of the sale.
It operates across the north of the county, and the scheme has been supporting the reduction of waste going into the waste stream.
Items from 490 households have been diverted from landfill and supported over 400 household receiving goods.
The project has seen more than 60 enquires about volunteer positions, and currently has 20 employed in various roles, given some of then support in going back into full employment.
Warwickshire County Council has agreed to finance the renting of a warehouse over a 3 year period in Weddington Terrace, Nuneaton.
Items will be sold to the general public, and this income will help to financially support the overall scheme. The county council is also looking for second hand vehicles suitable for the scheme and seeking further sponsorship.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Chair of the Warwickshire Waste Partnership, said: “Local authorities are always looking at new ways of encouraging residents to reuse and recycle where possible, and this project has start to make great in roads into support the reduction of waste, as well as support those most in need.”