Bristol’s Reuse Shops hit 350,000th item milestone

Bristol’s Reuse Shops have reached another incredible milestone – 350,000 items sold or donated, boosting Bristol’s growing circular economy.

This achievement has come less than a year after we celebrated reaching 250,000 items at the end of 2024. The rapid rise of 100,000 additional items in under twelve months highlights the demand for reuse schemes in Bristol and the city’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

History of the Reuse Shops

Launched in 2020 with the opening of the first Reuse Shop at the Avonmouth Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC), the initiative has since expanded with a second shop at the HRRC on Hartcliffe Way in 2022 and a smaller presence at St Philip’s HRRC.

Building a culture of reuse in Bristol

From furniture and bikes to books, bric-a-brac, and electricals, every item in the Reuse Shops has been donated at Bristol’s HRRCs. Instead of being discarded, these items are quality checked and resold at affordable prices, helping households save money while reducing waste.

The success of the shops is a clear sign of the growing importance of a reuse culture in Bristol. Bristolians are increasingly recognising the value of keeping resources in use for longer, supporting reuse and repair initiatives like the Share Bristol and SOFA Project.

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

“Going from 250,000 to over 350,000 items in under a year is an incredible leap, and it’s all thanks to the people of Bristol. The speed of this growth shows that when affordable, sustainable options are available, people are quick to choose them. Every item donated and diverted from waste through reuse schemes reduces the need for new products, avoids the environmental impact of making them and helps support our community. We’re so grateful for the support that’s helping reuse schemes grow faster than ever in our city, and if you haven’t been to one of our Reuse Shops yet, now’s the perfect time to join this ever-growing movement.” 

What you can find at our Reuse Shops

You’ll find a huge variety of quality usable items in Bristol’s 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.

Sue Tennyson, Reuse Shop Assistant, explained:

“People are really amazed when they see what they can find in the Reuse Shop. After their first visit, we often find people come back with loads to donate and become regular shoppers, always looking for a bargain to take home.”

Join the Reuse revolution

Whether you need to clear out your attic or you want to do some shopping, there’s a reason for everyone to come and visit Bristol’s Reuse Shops.

Shopping or donating not only supports a reuse culture, it also supports the Bristol community.

Profits from the shops are reinvested in the running of the shops, vital city services in Bristol, and donated to local charities.

To date, the Reuse Shops have donated just over £40,000 to St Peter’s Hospice.

How to visit the shops:

Positioned inside the Household Reuse and Recycling Centres (HRRC), the Reuse Shops are accessible to all members of the public and do not require a booking to browse and shop.

Bristol residents can donate items via donation points located inside the HRRCs.

The Reuse Shops are located in the HRRCs in Avonmouth and on Hartcliffe Way and open five days a week, including weekends, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.