Devon reuse centres reach 10,000 tonne 'milestone'

About one million items originally discarded at recycling centres in Devon have been repurposed and reused, bosses have said.

Devon County Council said there were 18 reuse shops in Devon's 19 recycling centres, and they sold reconditioned items which included furniture, televisions, bicycles, gardening equipment, books and tools.

Bosses said more than 10,000 tonnes of discarded items had been diverted for reuse since 2012 in Devon.

The council added the sale of reused items had a positive environmental impact and provided affordable items to communities.

The council said SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, which run the county's recycling centres and reuse shops, estimated it had sold about one million items since 2012.

Mr Roger Croad, cabinet member for public health, communities and equality, said: "This achievement not only demonstrates Devon County Council's commitment to reducing environmental impact but also SUEZ's innovative ways of working with waste and prioritising reuse over recycling and waste disposal.

"By providing affordable items for reuse it's helped to enable individuals and families to access essential goods while also reducing their carbon footprint."

Rob Sanders, regional manager at SUEZ, said: "We are incredibly proud to have reached this milestone through our partnership with Devon County Council and we celebrated this achievement with donations to 20 local charities in August."