Taking things that still work, or are repairable, to the coup seems wrong when you may be able to fix or find a new home for them. Nikki, our Community Store Manager explores the options of repair, reuse or recycle.
Often we find we keep throwing out what might be reused. Not-for-profit group Material Focus says half a billion small electrical items ended up in landfill in the UK in 2022.
So how do you get rid of excess stuff without adding to landfill? Here’s how the Arran Eco Savvy Shop can help. We accept most donations and help find a new home for the things you no longer use but can’t bear to throw out. Every donation helps make our way of life more sustainable and less damaging for the planet.
Small Electrical’s
At our Community Shop we are very lucky to have Elizabeth and Alistair who PAT test. They test the donated electrical products and repair them where needed, which not all charities do. You can bring them in for recycling by dropping them off at the shop and disposing these objects responsibly. We can accept most small electrical items but, unfortunately, not heaters or safety equipment or electric blankets.
Duvets, Pillows and Towels
We regularly drop off to the Animal Rescue Centre, which they use for bedding for the animals.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Given the frustration that comes from almost finishing a jigsaw, then discovering a piece is missing, it’s not surprising most charities refuse to accept puzzles. But again Eco Savvy will accept your puzzle! Although if you think there is a missing piece you can – at a price – replace missing pieces. The Jigsaw Doctor charges from £17.99 per piece (up to 4cm across) and more for larger pieces. Through laser cutting they match your original puzzle image. If they are not worth saving, puzzles can usually be recycled, but check at the coup, as small pieces can be harder to process.
What else do we accept?
Bric a Brac, household items, albums, books, tools and so on. The list is endless, are all welcome at the shop! This gives our visitors and locals a real challenge to seek out a bargain in the shop. This month’s amazing find was a silk Versace scarf!
And in the spirit of repair, reuse or recycling our items… we will be hosting a joint venture with COAST – a car boot sale! Where anyone can bring along their car filled with goodies along! More details to follow.
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