Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Waste Recycling Centre at Tovil, managed on behalf of KCC by Commercial Services Group, has delivered the initiative in partnership with charity Making a Difference to Maidstone (MADM).
The reuse container opened this week and will initially be trialled for six months. During this time, people can bring their unwanted and reusable furniture such as chairs, tables, wardrobes and bookcases.
Furniture will then be sold in MADM’s shops to raise money for their outreach work, and some will be gifted to local residents in crisis.
MADM works with clients based on referrals from social services, probation, housing associations, community wardens, Kent Police, local councils, churches and others.
They provide furniture, along with other items, as well as advocacy, a listening ear, prayer, volunteering opportunities and practical help.
“Like so many of our environment initiatives this trial has multiple benefits. We hope it will find a new lease of life for furniture that’s still usable, reduce waste and help a really good cause.”
KCC's Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey said:
"Like so many of our environment initiatives this trial has multiple benefits. We hope it will find a new lease of life for furniture that’s still usable, reduce waste and help a really good cause. I’m pleased to be partnering with MADM at the Tovil Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). Residents can bring their furniture to the HWRC or MADM may even be able to collect your items for reuse if you’re unable to transport them to the HWRC."
"This is the first of many reuse activities planned for Kent’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres. Other opportunities are currently in development, and I look forward to sharing details shortly."
MADM founder, Amanda Sidwell, said:
"MADM is so thrilled and proud to be partnering with KCC waste management, Tovil Household Waste Recycling Centre and you, the community."
A booking system operates at Kent Household Waste Recycling Centres. Please remember to book your visit in advance at www.kent.gov.uk/waste.
ENDS.
