Sutton Coldfield's ReUsers Store Celebrates Success After Saving Tonnes from Landfill

Sutton Coldfield's Re-use Centre Makes a Splash

A social enterprise dedicated to re-use is proving popular with bargain hunters and those interested in upcycling in Sutton Coldfield.

The ReUsers, which opened its doors in February, has quickly become a local favourite, attracting around 1,000 visitors each week.

In just seven months, the ReUsers and its customers have managed to divert an impressive 35 tonnes of reusable goods from ending up in landfill or being incinerated. To put that into perspective, that's about the same weight as 35 elephants.

A Hub for Sustainable Shopping

The Jericho Foundation, a charity focused on employment and skills, manages The ReUsers. The store is conveniently located next to the Household Recycling Centre on Norris Way in Sutton Coldfield. It offers for sale items donated by Birmingham residents that are suitable for re-use, or simply too good to be thrown away, preventing them from being disposed of at the HRC.

The project has generated four full-time and three part-time positions. Furthermore, three apprentices are currently working towards an NVQ in retail and customer services. The team is also supported by four part-time volunteers.

An Aladdin's Cave of Treasures

With approximately 100 tonnes of items in stock at any given time, all rescued from landfill or incineration, shoppers are sure to find something they love. The items are housed within a renovated Victorian building.

The shop is stocked with a wide array of rescued and restored items, including furniture, clothing, antiques, collectables, retro items, bric-a-brac, framed artwork and prints, tools, architectural salvage, toys, games, exercise equipment, camping and outdoor equipment, and bicycles (refurbished by bike2life, a partner organisation). Upcycled goods are also available from resident artist Helen Gallimore of ‘Get Sneaky’.

According to the ReUsers Project Manager, Richard Craythorn, the centre has been extremely well-received by the local community.

Feedback suggests that this project is a welcome return to a more sustainable mindset, with many people surprised by the quality and quantity of items saved from disposal. The premises are large, but the items on display are just a small fraction of what is thrown away that could be re-used. The sheer volume of donations means that there are always attractive deals to be had, encouraging customers to return and spread the word.

Cllr James McKay, Cabinet Member for a Green, Safe and Smart City, noted that Birmingham is dedicated to becoming a leading green city, with recycling being a key element of this commitment.