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.
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.
“I am delighted that we have cut the ribbon on such a landmark shop at our HWRC in Allington.”
David Wimble, Cabinet Member for the Kent Environment, said: “I am delighted that we have cut the ribbon on such a landmark shop at our HWRC in Allington, making it easy for residents to donate items with life left in them and for people to buy pre-loved items at a bargain price.
‘Whether you’re hunting for a vintage treasure, kitting out a student flat, or simply love a good bargain, the Allington Reuse Shop is a great place to visit and do your bit for the planet.”
A permanent reuse shop has opened at the Allington Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), launched by Kent County Council (KCC), in partnership with FCC Environment.
FCC Chief Executive Officer Steve Longdon added: “FCC operates 14 HWRCs in Kent and since this contract started we have tested the reuse concept at pop up shops here and elsewhere in Kent. Two months ago, we opened a permanent shop in New Romney which is going doing very well and the icing on the cake of making reuse a reality in Kent is to be at the opening of the shop here in Allington. Well done to the team at KCC and across FCC who have created such an impressive retail space.”
Residents can book appointments to use the HWRC for recycling, waste disposal, and to donate items via www.kent.gov.uk/allingtonhwrc, but no booking is needed just to browse the shop.
