Bristol’s Reuse Shops hit 250,000th item milestone

People in hi-visibility clothing holding various items

At Bristol Waste Company, we’re thrilled to celebrate a remarkable achievement: our Reuse Shops have sold or donated an incredible 250,000 items! The milestone is a testament to the growing commitment of the Bristol community to support sustainability and a circular economy.

How it all started

Our Reuse initiative was launched in June 2020 with the opening of the first Reuse Shop at the Avonmouth Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC), later followed in 2022 with a second shop at Hartcliffe Way HRRC and then a third smaller presence at St Philip’s HRRC.

Our goal has always been simple: to provide a practical, sustainable way for people to donate and purchase reusable items at affordable prices, reducing waste and supporting our city’s environmental goals.

In just four and a half years, the Reuse Shops have saved 250,000 items from being discarded – the equivalent of hundreds of tonnes of materials.

Jak Boydon, Bristol Waste’s Reuse Growth Manager said:

“Reaching 250,000 items is a monumental achievement, the success reflects Bristol Waste’s commitment to sustainability and the hard work of our Reuse Shop team and volunteers.
I want to thank the city’s residents who have chosen to donate or shop with us as without their support we wouldn’t be here. Every item diverted represents a step towards reducing waste and conserving our planet’s valuable resources.”

Why 250,000 items matter

Each of the 250,000 items sold represents waste diverted from disposal via recycling, landfill or incineration.

In 2024 alone, over 80,000 items found new homes saving a massive amount of resources and a significant contribution to reducing Bristol’s carbon footprint.

But it’s not just about the numbers, the Reuse Shops also makes sustainability accessible, offering high-quality, affordable items to people who want to shop smarter and greener.

Judith Gordon, Shop Manager at the Avonmouth Reuse Shop explained:

“We hear stories every day from our customers about how affordable our prices are and how we’ve helped them. I had a mother tell me that she was able to completely redo her son’s room with furniture and items from the shop. Another local told us that with her purchases she was able to completely refurbish her bathroom, from the shelves to the toilet and the sink.

Selling preloved items through our shops not only benefits the environment but also the Bristol community. By offering items at low prices, we provide an affordable alternative to buying new, especially for people on tight budgets.”

Woman in high-visibility top talking to man at shop counter

More than just a shop

The success of our Reuse Shops is a community effort and donations from residents are the lifeblood of this initiative. Every item is carefully checked, tested (if electrical), and priced before hitting the shelves.

The proceeds go toward covering operational costs, reinvesting in Reuse and supporting local charities – St Peter’s Hospice has received £40,000 to date.

What you can find at our Reuse Shops

You’ll find a huge variety of quality usable items in our Reuse Shops, including:

Sports equipment – Bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, gym equipment, tennis rackets, golf clubs and even snowboards on occasion
Furniture – Tables, chairs, sofas, vanity units, desks, chest of drawers and gaming chairs
Technology – Phones, laptops, gaming consoles, games, televisions, speakers, and even vinyl players
Garden – Gardening tools, lawnmowers, tables, chairs, plant pots, slabs and even compost
Homewares – Lamps, kettles, dinnerware, kitchenware and glassware
DIY – Hand tools, electrical tools, lightbulbs, wallpaper and an assortment of hinges, latches, screws, nuts, washers and bolts
Bric-a-brac – Family games, children’s toys, posters, mirrors, DVDs and all sorts of unique treasures

Each visit you’ll find something different and with such a range of items available, there’s a reason for everyone to visit one of Bristol Waste’s Reuse shops.

Various second hand items in a shop

Join the Reuse revolution

If you’ve never visited one of our Reuse Shops, now’s the perfect time to see what they’re all about. Whether you’re furnishing a home on a budget, seeking unique gifts, or simply curious about what treasures await, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.

If you have items in good condition that you no longer need, consider donating them, every item contributes to a more sustainable Bristol.

Visit us at Avonmouth or Hartcliffe Way and see how Bristol is leading the way in reuse. Together, we can make a difference—one item at a time.