Our partnership with a local charity to reuse unwanted items from vacant properties for those in need has diverted nearly 12,000 tonnes of waste from landfill in just 18 months.
We've linked up with Chadderton-based Support and Action for Women's Network (SAWN) who collect suitable leftover goods like fridges and furniture when homes are empty.
Called the 'circular economy', the project is helping people get the furniture and goods they need for only a small cost and in some circumstances no cost.
Since July 2024, 279 items including cookers, freezers, TVs, mattresses, furniture and other electrical goods have been collected.
The work has saved more than £6000 in tip costs for us and avoided the huge tonnage in landfill.
Our customer Louise Stanisauskis got in touch with us after her leather sofa broke last year. She said: "SAWN helped me access two armchairs and a cream leather sofa to replace my old one, which fits in perfectly with my living room decor. I have very little disposable income so to be able to get a really good quality three-piece suite is literally life-changing.
"Without support from both FCHO and SAWN, me and my family wouldn't have anywhere comfortable to relax and spend time together."
Our Stronger Communities Manager Naomi Martin-Smith added: "In the past, these left items in our properties would usually be sent to landfill but by working with SAWN we can collect and reuse them so they can help other people in our community.
"SAWN cleans and tests everything so they are safe and then sells them through its furniture hub, with all proceeds going back to the charity.
"This is a classic example of the circular economy in action. It also means FCHO is giving back to the local community by helping them access affordable items of furniture while saving thousands in tipping costs."
Audrey Murphy, Programme and Engagement Lead at SAWN, said: "We're saving perfectly good items from landfill and often, we see people are in a crisis and we're able to offer items that really help people in desperate times. It's such a valuable service that we're proud to offer to our local community."
SAWN is happy to accept good quality donations in addition to offering quality furniture for sale to the general public. Simply visit their furniture hub based at Stockfield Mill, Melbourne St, Chadderton, OL9 9ES.
