Donate and Reuse Locally
Find out more about local reuse groups in your area!
Refurnish Devon
Refurnish sell household goods such as electricals, bric-a-brac and some new items including mattresses.
They have a free collection service for household items which are in good condition but no longer needed and collect from across Devon, Plymouth & Torbay. They aim to assist in alleviating poverty by providing household goods at a low cost to local people.
Waste prevention is at the heart of what they do, furniture and electrical items are professionally tested/repaired before being offered for sale.
Refurnish creates employment, training and volunteering opportunities particularly for people who are long term unemployed and/or have support needs.
They have 10 shops across Devon, find your nearest Refurnish shop here.
They are always in need of household items in good condition, so if you have items for donation give them a ring on 01752 927002.
Key Facts
Refurnish Devon has diverted 25,442 tonnes of furniture from disposal and have helped over 10,000 local families and individuals.
Turntable
Turntable aims to improve the lives of those on very low income by providing them with the essentials to set up a home, re-using donated household items, that are in good, clean condition, that would doubtless have gone for disposal. They help make houses into homes by providing those in difficult circumstances a chance to furnish their homes at a very low cost. They run a collection service and unwanted items from Exeter and the surrounding areas. In addition Turntable also provide practical work experience and for the long term unemployed volunteers, to allow them to gain skills and experience to hopefully re enter the workplace.
They are always in need of good quality items especially white goods and furniture, they offer a free collection service, so if you have something you no longer need then contact Turntable here or on Tel: 01392 202079
Key Facts
Turntable Furniture has supplied 5995 items of furniture, 1051 appliances and 246 carpets to families in need in Exeter and its surroundings.
The organisation has been supported by the help of 29 volunteers, 5 of whom have moved onto paid employment.
Recycling in Ottery
RIO originally stood for “Recycling in Ottery“, with the aim of reducing the amount of unwanted items going to disposal however they are best described as a reuse centre.
RIO was started by a handful of passionate and committed environmentalists in 1995 for Ottery St Mary as a not for profit community group. At this time there were no kerbside recycling collections and most people didn’t really recycle or know what it meant. More than 20 years on a lot has changed and RIO now does not take recyclable items. They do accept household items, furniture, bric-a-brac, books, toys and clothing.
RIO gives back to local people – As a not for profit organisation their twin aims are to financially and practically support local people and groups as well as achieve the environmental goals of reducing disposal rates. Over the years they have been able to contribute both directly and indirectly to local community groups and individuals. There are RIO GRAND awards, as often as they can do them, when they give away grants of up to a ‘grand’ to local groups, they have a focus on community groups that are involved in the environment, education, the arts and social welfare. Each RIO GRAND grant is publicised locally and applications are encouraged from all.
Find out more about Rio Ottery here or ring them to arrange a free collection on 01404 815825.
Key Facts
Previous recipients of the RIO grant include a youth football club, a primary school, The Kings High School, local transport groups, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Brownies, Cubs, Rainbows and Scouts and Guides. They also have given people in need free or discounted furniture to start again after life crises.
Proper Job
Proper Job is a charity run recycling centre based in Chagford, Devon.
Launched in 1995, Proper Job is one of the UK’s first community reuse centres and they are based on the northeast edge of Dartmoor in Devon. Their aim is to keep reusable items from going to waste by putting them on sale.
Everything from baths, crockery and clothes to garden furniture and building materials can be bought by you at a fraction of their original cost, meaning that people not only save money but also go some way to leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. They are known locally for their high quality compost and are a distribution point for National community Repaint scheme.
They committed to principles of sustainability and educating to conserve resources. They run training sessions and skill sharing workshops on a range of topics from upcycled garden planters to electrical repair workshops and recycled Christmas decorations. These help promote the benefits of reusing, recycling and reducing in today’s throwaway culture.
They offer a delivery and collection service and cover a radius of approximately 12 miles from Chagford. They have also now expanded and have a boutique style shop selling vintage items and a café selling wholesome locally sourced food!
For more information visit the Proper Job website or give them a call on 01647 432985.
