Request
i am [...] working currently on a project where 2 new repair and reuse centers will be developed [...] we are at the stage of mapping out the procedures currently followed from the supply to the sale of used clothes and fabrics, furniture, toys etc.. (e.g. 1. supply, 2. sorting 3. discarding what cannot be reused, etc.) we would appreciate it if you could tell us what procedures you follow in your centre or if you can direct us wherever you think it would help us with our scope. thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
Response
Further to our email acknowledging your EIR request (reference 2023-211), our response is as follows.
We do not hold any written procedures in use at our Reuse Shop, but there are clear guidelines of what the shop accepts in line with relevant legislation and health and safety requirements.
Items are collected at our individual Reuse and Recycling Centres (RRCs) in line with the acceptance criteria for the shop. Items are then transported on a regular basis to the shop. The shop also accepts donations from residents directly.
The shop regularly reviews and rotates items which are not selling. They discount prices of unsold items and, eventually, dispose of them if they continue to be unsold. NLWA is currently reviewing potential off takers that we could work with to take some of the items which do not sell to potentially be reused or sold through other networks.
Items are assessed and sorted at the point of receiving them at the shop. If items are not in line with the acceptance criteria set out below, they are not accepted and are instead directed to the relevant recycling container on the site.
Items accepted are as follows.
Accepted from the other RRCs:
- Furniture (which does not contain any upholstery)
- Bikes
- Medium/large frames
- Mirrors
- Vases
- Garden furniture
- Garden pots (not plastic)
- Sporting/gym equipment.
Accepted at the Reuse Shop, direct from residents:
- Furniture in reusable condition including shelving, bookcases, tables, wardrobes, etc., in good working order with keys and screws attached if parts have been removed for transportation.
- Solid wood, plastic or metal chairs
- Children’s furniture
- Children’s toys (must be complete and have CE label)
- Glassware, crystal, vases
- Crockery
- Hand tools
- Bric-a-brac
- Children’s books
- Vintage furniture (light wear and tear is acceptable)
- Mirrors
- Frames
- Cutlery
- Kitchen pots and pans in good condition (no pressure cookers)
- Craft materials like wool, knitting needles, etc.
- Suitcases in very good condition
- Wicker baskets
- Bikes
- Garden hand tools (no electrical tools)
- Vinyl
- Sporting equipment like golf clubs, rackets, balls, etc. – no protective sports clothing
- Gym equipment
- Garden pots (ceramic, terracotta and concrete are acceptable but not plastic)
- Garden ornaments (not electrical ones)
- Garden furniture
- Push lawn mowers
- Coat racks
- Handbags, purses and wallets
- Musical instruments
- Computer games
- Crutches, wheelchairs and walking frames
- New and unused lightbulbs and DIY materials/hardware still in packaging.
Not accepted:
- Dining chairs with reupholstered seats, sofas, headboards, armchairs and footstools with fabric, leather or pleather coverings
- Office chairs
- Baby equipment of any kind
- Safety items including ladders, helmets, harnesses and buoyancy aids
- Any knives including kitchen knives and penknives
- No decorative, ornamental or toy guns
- Inflatables unless new and unused in box
- Any electricals including electric mowers
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Bedding, unless new and unused in packaging
- Food or toiletries including perfumes
- Commodes, potties, toilet seats
- Opened packs of nappies.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to raise a further information request. If you would like to complain about our handling of information requests, you can do so by emailing this email address (informationrequests@nlwa.gov.uk) or using the enquiry form on our website.
