Part of the KCC recycling initiative

A new chapter in Kent’s sustainability story has begun with the opening of a permanent reuse shop at the Allington Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), launched by Kent County Council (KCC), in partnership with FCC Environment.

Following the success of reuse pop-ups across the county, the Allington site now boasts a purpose-built shop offering a wide range of quality pre-loved items all at affordable prices.

Since it’s opening in May 2022, the Allington HWRC has introduced new ways to help residents recycle, donate and bag a bargain. This latest development gives unwanted goods a second life, helping to reduce waste and make it easier for people to donate items to be reused by others wanting to give second-hand items a new life.

If an item can be reused, it can be dropped off at the new shop. Everything from A-Z: antiques, books and children’s toys to xylophones, yoga mats and even zebra print rugs ready for a new home.

The shop is stocked with reusable items accepted at several other KCC HWRCs, including Maidstone, Pepperhill, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Sheerness, Canterbury, Dartford, Swanley and Ashford. Items brought to these sites that are suitable for reuse are placed in designated reuse containers and will be transported to Allington for resale.

The shop officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by KCC Chairman, Richard Palmer. It marks a significant step forward in KCC’s Nothing Wasted campaign, which champions reuse, recycling, and community support.

A portion of the profits from the shop will go towards local charities, including SATEDA and the Young Lives Foundation - this year’s charities endorsed by the Chairman of KCC. The remaining profits will be reinvested into the service to support the expansion of KCC’s reuse initiatives across the county.

Source and picture: Kent County Council