Blog spotlight: Bristol Waste’s Brilliant Reuse Shops
Surprising, sustainable, affordable
Bargain lovers, waste-nothing-shoppers and treasure hunters, Bristol Waste’s Reuse Shops are the perfect places for you to explore.
Described by regulars as ‘Aladdin’s caves of treasures’, the two Reuse Shops, in Avonmouth and on Hartcliffe Way are packed with pre-loved items that don’t cost the Earth.
You’ll find furniture, tools, tech, homeware and unique gifts, all at bargain prices.
Plus, all purchases come with the added warm fuzzy feeling of protecting the planet by buying second hand and reducing waste.
Bristol Waste opened its first Reuse Shop in 2020, after staff at the recycling centre were saddened by all the quality, usable items being thrown away. 5 years on and the Reuse Shops are now rescuing more than 10,000 items a month.
To date, the Bristol Waste Reuse Shops have saved around 350,000 items from going to waste. Boosting the local circular economy and proving one person’s ‘trash’ may well be another person’s treasure.
“Every time I visit, I find something completely unexpected,” says regular customer Jenny, 36. “Last week I came for a hammer and left with a gorgeous vintage mirror and a lawnmower. I love that it’s sustainable and a bargain!”
Donations can be brought to the Household Reuse and Recycling Centres. Look out for signs for the drop off points.
The friendly team of staff and volunteers sort and test all the donated items ahead of putting them out on the shop floor. The Bristol Waste Reuse Shop team also collect specific items to pass on to local charities, as well as donating a percentage of profits each year.
The shops are full of an ever-changing array of brilliant, unique treasures.
On any given day you’re likely to find:
- Solid wood dining tables and chairs
- Refurbished laptops, phones, and game consoles
- Gardening items like tools, plant pots, and compost
- Electricals from lamps and laminators to TVs and toasters
- DIY tools and materials
- Sports and fitness equipment
- Kitchenware and home décor
“You’d be surprised what you can find here — every visit is different,” says Shop Manager Debra Goodwin. “It’s good for your pocket, good for the community, and good for the environment too.”
Shop and donate:
If you’ve never visited the Reuse Shops before, now is the perfect time to pop in, whether you’re hunting for a unique gift, sprucing up your garden, or just fancy a browse.
You can donate quality, clean and usable items you no longer need at drop-off points in the recycling centres.
- Find your nearest Bristol Waste Reuse Shop at Avonmouth or Hartcliffe Way Household Reuse and Recycling Centres.
- Open 5 days a week (including weekends), 9.30am–3.30pm*
- Free designated parking and no booking required to visit the shops.
*Shop opening hours differ from the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre opening hours
So why not drop by and see what treasures you can uncover? Bristol’s best-kept secret might just become your new favourite shop.
