Problem
In 2021, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council completed the construction of the new Roseheyworth Reuse and Recycling Centre, and partnered with Wastesavers to open an on-site reuse shop, The Den.
Despite previous efforts to improve recycling and reuse rates, a significant proportion of items brought to Recycling Centres (RCs) were still being discarded rather than repurposed. Analysis of waste streams revealed that many household items, such as furniture, toys, books, and small appliances, could have been salvaged and reused rather than sent for disposal. Additionally, the lack of a structured reuse system at the only alternative centre in New Vale meant that residents had limited opportunities to donate unwanted but usable items.
The absence of a structured reuse system at existing RCs also meant that residents had limited opportunities to donate unwanted but usable items, leading to unnecessary disposal.
Solution
To address these challenges, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council implemented several key measures:
- Phased rollout and promotion: The Reuse and Recycling Centre (RRC) opened in May 2021, with a soft launch of The Den in June/July and an official launch in August 2021. Publicity included the Council’s website, social media accounts, Community Hubs, and press releases, alongside on-site engagement from trained operatives.
- Strategic site design: The Council designed the Roseheyworth RRC so that The Den reuse shop is the first facility residents encounter, reinforcing the priority of reuse over disposal (even recycling).
- Operative training: Site operatives received specific training to proactively ask residents if their items could be donated rather than discarded, increasing reuse opportunities.
- Third-sector partnership: The Council tendered for a third-sector partner to manage reuse operations, selecting Wastesavers, which has years of experience successfully operating similar projects across Wales.
- Reuse shop operations: Items donated by residents are inspected on-site for resale, with electrical goods PAT-tested before sale. The Den also runs targeted community promotions, such as school uniform drives, prom dress sales, Christmas toy sales, and has provided support for Ukrainian refugees and flood-affected residents.
Impact
The introduction of The Den reuse shop has delivered notable environmental, social, and financial benefits.
- Reduction in landfill dependency: As of February 2025, 347 tonnes of goods have been diverted from disposal and resold since The Den opened in 2021, lowering waste disposal costs for the Council.
- Community benefits: The shop provides affordable goods, helping low-income residents while promoting circular economy principles.
- Up-skilling the community: Local individuals are trained through the volunteering programme in an environment that promotes social inclusion and employment opportunities.
- Cost-neutral operation: The Council provides the unit and overhead costs, while Wastesavers employs and pays staff, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Positive public feedback, with strong engagement through The Den’s Facebook page and in-person interactions.
By embedding reuse into the site design, operations, and engagement strategy, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council has created a successful, self-sustaining model that can be replicated across other local authorities. This case demonstrates the value of integrating reuse facilities alongside recycling facilities resulting in an RRC, to support sustainability and waste reduction goals.