This case study highlights how Wastesavers provides local employment, supplies affordable products to those in need, keeps products in use for longer and generates income through upcycling to support these overlying objectives.
Wastesavers began life in 1985 as an environmental interest group promoting the importance of re-use and recycling. Today Wastesavers is a charity based in Newport, which operates 10 re-use shops across South Wales, and whose objectives are:
- The relief of poverty by the provision of renovated furniture and other household accessories for residents in the Southeast Wales area.
- The advancement of education in respect of the environmental aspects of, and need for recycling.
- The advancement of education which benefits the community (to the extent that such objects are exclusively charitable), in respect of vocational skills, numeracy and literacy skills and practical skills.
The organisation also provides additional services to benefit the local community such as a repair cafe, a nappy library and cycle repair workshops which aim to be fully self-funded and financially viable. They deliver a valuable and sustainable local service in collaboration with local authorities, in a profit-sharing, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Key facts – Wastesavers 2022/23
- 1,000 tonnes of furniture and home items diverted from landfill
- 188 people are involved in Wastesavers - 52 employees & 136 volunteers
- £1m+ income generated from sale of re-use items
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