The Renew Hub – Reuse on an industrial scale
About this good practice
Over the last 5 years, whilst there has been good progress in diverting waste from landfill (88% to 98%), recycling has remained static since 2016/17 to 2020/21 at 47- 48%. At the same time, communities are facing economic challenges.
The Renew Hub and 3 Renew shops which opened in 2021, are a partnership between SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and 9 local authorities in Greater Manchester (GM) to help manage its 1.1m tonnes of municipal waste from over 1m households. It aims to create a true circular economy in GM. In a bid to target the single biggest threat to decarbonisation (consumption), it will support the city region in meeting its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2038, while benefiting the community and some of the more vulnerable members of society.
The Hub is the central point for items donated by residents from 18 recycling centres across GM. The provision of donation containers for residents to dispose of pre-loved items such as furniture, toys, bric a brac and bikes, started in March 2021 and more than 330 tonnes of pre-loved items have been taken to the Hub to be sorted into items for sale or repair. In November 2021 it also began collecting electrical items.
The Hub houses units focused on repairing and upcycling the items which are run in partnership with qualified organisations, who also provide workshops and train apprentices and volunteers in these vital skills in the green recovery.
Resources needed
A warehouse, donation and collection points, collection vehicles and logistics, staff to collect, sort, repair, and sell the goods.
Evidence of success
217 tonnes of pre-loved items sold in 3 Renew shops at recycling centres in GM; Over 50 tonnes donated to furniture pack charities in GM; Sales revenue goes to good causes in GM, with contractual commitments to donate £100k every year to the GM Mayor’s Charity to reduce homelessness & £220k every year to the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund supporting community organisations (21 in Yr 1) & projects aimed at reducing waste and increasing reuse; 17 FTE jobs & apprenticeships
Potential for learning or transfer
The Reuse and Repair Shop has been facilitated through the public procurement of Greater Manchester’s waste management contract in which the winning contractor was required to specify a number of Social Value commitments. Public Authorities considering such an approach to significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and at the same time retain the value of reused products and the creation of jobs in the local economy, may wish to consider this approach.
Consideration of scale is important as well as capacity and logistics. A close working relationship with the Local Authorities is also required and this can be enhanced with the inclusion of a educational centre in the facility for schools.
Further information
Good practice owner
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