Often, the items we no longer want or need can be passed on to someone else and have a continuing useful life instead of becoming waste.
The Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire works with residents and the voluntary sector to encourage the re-use of items and reduce the amount of waste we create. Good quality clothes, furniture, household goods, books and recorded music are among the things that have re-use value to other people.
For instance, approximately 1,000 tonnes of 'bulky waste' currently go to waste every year. This is the equivalent of 10 million items, 3 million of which could be easily re-used; more could be repaired. Re-using any item saves the energy and resources associated with manufacturing a new one, having an enormous positive impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Re-use in action in Bucks
This video released by the national charity WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) highlights the innovative partnership working between the Bucks County Council, FCC Environment and South Bucks Hospice at our household recycling centre re-use shops.
What is bulky waste?
Bulky waste is waste that is too big to be collected with your normal rubbish collection. It includes bikes, furniture (sofas wardrobes, tables, chairs), appliances (refrigerators, ovens and TVs) and plumbing fixtures (bathtubs, sinks). The majority of the bulky waste items that are suitable for reuse fall into the furniture category.
Unwanted electrical and electronic goods such as fridge freezers, TVs, curling irons, kitchen appliances etc can be recycled and contain really valuable raw materials. For example, one iron contains enough steel to produce 13 steel cans.
Items that are still in working order can be reused through the organisations listed below. The Royal Mail have a recycling campaign called ‘Simply Drop’ for very small electricals such as cameras, mobile phones and MP3 players, find out more at Simply Drop.
For unusable items, wooden furniture and all household waste electrical items can be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. Note that Buckinghamshire County Council manage a permit scheme for residents wishing to deposit waste using mini buses, vans, pick ups, large trailers or on foot.
What should I do with my bulky waste item?