Staffordshire County Council's household waste recycling centres are supporting charities and community organisations across the county through a series of reuse and recycling initiatives.
During the last financial year, the initiatives raised over £17,000 across 111 Rescue Me pop-up sales events held throughout Staffordshire.
Furniture and household items for care leavers
The award-winning Care Leavers Hub supplies young people leaving care with good quality used furniture and household items, all provided free of charge. Items are sourced from donations made by residents at the county's household waste recycling centres. The scheme helps young people set up home while also easing cost-of-living pressures.
Bikes refurbished for community use
Good quality used bikes are refurbished and donated to schools or the county council's employment service. Parts from bikes that cannot be fully restored are reused to repair other bicycles. Staffordshire County Council is working with Halfords and HM Prison Service on the bike refurbishment programme.
IT equipment and medical aids
Unwanted IT equipment is refurbished for use by charities. Hard drives are securely destroyed before devices are repaired and safely reused. Medical aids are also refurbished and made available for reuse.
Other items available
Partially used and unopened paint is available to residents undertaking DIY projects. Sports and music equipment in good condition is donated to Staffordshire schools. Good quality items of any type can be sold at Rescue Me pop-up sales events.
For details of upcoming Rescue Me events, residents should follow the Waste Savvy Staffs Facebook page.