East Sussex furniture charity launches new scheme for discount recycled goods

Furniture Now! - which operates centres in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Lewes - has joined forces with Wealden District Council (WDC) to offer discounts on electrical items and furniture to people who qualify for welfare, are earning less than £17,000, or are students.

A WDC spokesperson said many of the bulky items it collects are in good condition and can be reused.

Michael Ryan, chief executive officer of the Now! Charity Group Ltd, said, “We are delighted to build on our excellent relationship with WDC by developing a localised culture of sustainable living.

“In the UK, 10 million household items are sent to landfill every year, with three million of these items found to be in an immediately reusable state.

“We are committed to driving an innovative green partnership, which will not only benefit Wealden residents, but the environment too.”

Mr Ryan said the charity’s recycling work in 2019 reduced East Sussex’s carbon footprint by saving 135,306kg of C02 emissions.

Some of the items which Furniture Now! is collecting includes beds, wardrobes, mattresses, chairs, dining tables, sofas, fridge freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, lamps, toasters, kettles and audio equipment.

The charity has said that both mattresses and sofas need to have the fire safety labels attached.

The WDC cabinet member for waste and recycling Roy Galley said he is very pleased to be working with Furniture Now!

He said, “Not only is this service cheaper for our residents, saving them the minimum charge of £55 for a bulky waste collection, but it’s better for the environment and helps those people who are unable to afford such items from brand new.

“We’re also thrilled to lend our support to the dedicated hard work of a local charity benefitting the Wealden community.”

The WDC spokesperson said that when people call the council to arrange a bulky waste collection, they will be asked if their item is in good enough condition to donate to the charity.

WDC contact centre will then provide the person with details for the charity to arrange a free collection.

For more information, visit www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/bulky-household-waste-collections, or to book a free collection visit nowcharity.org.uk/donatehouseholditems

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.