Jak Boydon, Bristol Waste’s reuse growth manager, commented: “Reaching 250,000 items sold is a monumental achievement.
“This success reflects Bristol Waste’s commitment to sustainability and the hard work of our Reuse Shop team and volunteers.
“I want to thank the city’s residents who have chosen to donate or shop with us as without their support we wouldn’t be here. Every item diverted represents a step towards reducing waste and conserving our planet’s valuable resources.”
Bristol Waste’s Reuse Shops were first launched in June 2020 with its inaugural shop at its Avonmouth Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC).
In 2022 a second shop opened at Hartcliffe Way and a third smaller shop opened in the same year at St Philip’s HRRC.
The waste management company said that the shops have become “a vital resource” for residents and offer a wide range of second-hand items from furniture, homeware, computers and DIY tools to camping, sports and garden equipment.
Judith Gordon, shop manager at the Avonmouth Reuse Shop explained: “We hear stories every day from our customers about how affordable our prices are and how we’ve helped them.
“I had a mother tell me that she was able to completely redo her son’s room with furniture and items from the shop. Another local told us that with her purchases she was able to completely refurbish her bathroom, from the shelves to the toilet and the sink.
“Selling preloved items through our shops not only benefits the environment but also the Bristol community. By offering items at low prices, we provide an affordable alternative to buying new, especially for people on tight budgets.”
Proceeds from the sales go towards supporting the reuse and local charitable activity, and to date St Peter’s Hospice has received just over £40,000.
Bristol Waste said that it hopes to grow the project further and help other councils open their own reuse shops.
Boydon added: “We’re currently selling between 7,000 and 8,000 items every month and it’s only getting bigger as awareness of the Reuse Shops keeps growing.
“We’re proud to share our knowledge with other organisations, working towards a common goal of reducing waste nationwide.”
The Reuse Shops at Avonmouth and Hartcliffe Way are open five days a week, including weekends, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Subscribe for free