The reuse of furniture and other household items

Reuse is an important part of our everyday lives, and something we often do without thinking. Just simple things like refilling our water bottle to buying a second-hand phone or piece of furniture. Buying second hand helps to keep items in use for longer which reduces unnecessary waste, and buying second-hand can often be a lot cheaper than buying new.

As a society it’s no longer efficient to throw items away as waste without considering if they can be kept in use for longer through reuse, repair and refurbishment. Keeping items in use for longer also helps to protect our resources by slowing the demand for new products.

Furniture Reuse Organisations

There are so many opportunities for buying second-hand or preloved items in Leicestershire, including Furniture Reuse Organisations. They collect a wide range of furniture, household items and electrical appliances and sell them on. Sometimes they will repair and refurbish the furniture first and provide an opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills in the process.

Local reuse organisations and charities are always looking for donations and so do consider them when you are looking to part with any household items. Remember, donating items you no longer want or need saves them from landfill and provides an opportunity for them to be given a new lease of life or a fresh start with someone new.

Click on the links below to find out where your nearest reuse organisation or charity is and how you can donate your unwanted household items.

Marlene Reid Centre | Furniture Warehouses – Coalville

The Marlene Centre offers a free collection service across North West Leicestershire. Please note that they are unable to collect electrical items. Call the Furniture Warehouse to arrange a free collection: 01530 512454  or email: info@mrc.uk.net .

Work-Link Project – Hinckley

They offer a free collection service across the whole county. They try to link nearby collections where possible and so it might mean a slightly longer lead time if you are situated a bit further out. Phone: 01455636506  Email: Donate@worklinkproject.org or contact online: donate | Work-Link.

SOFA – Loughborough

For further information on donating: Donation | sofause.org.

Exaireo ReUse Project – Upcycled Furniture and Paint – Loughborough

The Exaireo Trust repair, restore and sell donated furniture online and in their retail store. They also sell paint from the Community Repaint scheme. All proceeds go towards their work with the homeless. To donate furniture, send a photo of the item(s) to reuse@exaireo.org and they will arrange collection.

Melton & District Furniture Project – Melton Mowbray

See: Donate | Melton Furniture Project to find out more about donating furniture. To check where they operate, see: Areas | Melton Furniture Project. Phone: 01164 410380.

Other ways you can donate

Many charity shops also accept donations of furniture and often provide a collection service, although there may be a charge for this. You can search for search for them on local directories, some are listed on the Charity Retail Association website. Others can be found via the Leicester-Shire Reuse Network.

Takeback schemes

Many stores are now running their own Takeback schemes for furniture to help keep items in use for longer. Stores usually partner with a charity to provide the service and focus on reuse or recycling where possible. If not suitable for reuse, then the furniture will be disposed of responsibly. These schemes enable you to return furniture that you no longer want or need and provide the opportunity for it to be rehomed. It’s certainly worth checking whether a store has a Takeback scheme if you’re in the process of buying something new.

Rehome Zones – Recycling and Household Waste sites

Leicestershire residents can also bring household items they no longer want, that are still in good condition, to the Rehome Zone at their local recycling and household waste site. Items that are particularly welcomed are household and garden furniture, home office equipment, bicycles and handheld or petrol DIY or garden tools. All soft furnishings must have a compliant fire label attached.

Items must be clean, not altered or modified and not defaced or damaged in any way that effects the use or appearance.

Mention any items for the Rehome Zone to site staff on arrival and they will check for suitability and direct you to the location if appropriate.

For more information about our Recycling & Household Waste Sites, please visit: Find a recycling and household waste site| Leicestershire.gov.uk.

Electrical items

These can also be donated for reuse and repair, please see our page, Reducing Electrical Waste  for more details.

House clearances

A house clearance is the removal of items from the home, usually for charity, resale or disposal. It can often involve the whole house being cleared but not necessarily all at once, it can be done in stages. Many organisations provide a house clearance service and it’s likely they differ slightly in the service they provide. It’s worth spending some time beforehand to give some thought to what you want.

There may be items that some organisations won’t take and so do check this with them. They will usually sort items into different categories, such items for rehoming, repair and refurbishment, recycling or disposal and it often takes longer than you anticipate. It’s worth getting a few quotes and remember that there is a duty of care and legal responsibilities in handling waste and so check that they are registered and have the necessary permits.

Upcycle your old furniture

Upcycling furniture involves transforming old or unwanted pieces into new useable items through painting, repairs and creative modifications.

If you have a piece that you’d like to transform, then there is some good guidance online, such as this blog: Beginners-guide-to-upcycling-furniture| R4GM or look up furniture upcycling/restoration classes or workshops near you.