A MAJOR recycling milestone has been reached with more than 10,000 tonnes of discarded everyday items diverted for reuse since 2012 thanks to Devon’s recycling centres.

There are 18 reuse shops in Devon’s 19 recycling centres, and they sell reconditioned items ranging from furniture, televisions and bicycles to gardening equipment, books and tools.

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, who operate the county’s recycling centres and reuse shops on behalf of Devon County Council, estimate that they have sold around one million items, equivalent in weight to 650 double decker buses, since the start of their contract.

In addition to the environmental benefits the sale of reuse items has also had a positive impact on the community by providing affordable items for reuse.

Local charities have also benefitted, and SUEZ say that this has enabled them to support organisations such as Plymouth Ukraine Medical Aid with vital equipment, schools with free book give aways, as well as charity donations to Exeter ICE Charitable Trust, Woodside Animal Sanctuary, Devon Air Ambulance, the RNLI and many more.

Councillor 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.”

To find out more visit Devon County Council’swebsite: https://www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recycling-centres/reuse-shops/ .