Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have been successful in securing a bid for further funding of £71,000, plus an additional £20,000 for a communications campaign, for the Reuse Electrical project which operates the Reuse Electrical Shop.
The partnership project between Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, FCC Environment and Dove House Hospice, is aimed at boosting the reuse of good quality domestic appliances, which have been taken to household waste recycling centres or collected, in Hull and the East Riding.
The further funding will see the shop continue to operate selling donated second-hand reusable, low-cost electrical goods and services – including used fridges, freezers and washing machines – and will now expand to include repair of items.
The shop, based at 254 Marfleet Lane in East Hull, has been in operation since July 2020 and during that time has become firmly established – overcoming challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Since its opening, the Electrical Reuse Shop has sold over 800 items, raising over £35,000 for Dove House Hospice.
The new repair element will start in December 2021. Previously, items that failed the functionality testing were recycled, but with the inclusion of the new element a proportion of these will be repaired and made available for sale – broadening the shops’ goods offering and keeping more goods in circulation.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services at Hull City Council, said: “It’s fantastic we have been successful with this bid, which will allow us to continue and further extend the project. We want to thank everyone who has donated or purchased goods so far.
“This scheme is great because it’s beneficial for all – it’s fundamental to sustainable waste management, raises money for Dove House Hospice and provides affordable options for residents. We can even deliver and collect for free!
“I am proud that Hull City Council is taking the lead in this innovative way.”
Councillor Chris Matthews, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted such a worthwhile scheme has received further funding
“Being able to sell on repurposed white goods, which residents no longer want, has been a huge help to people in Hull and the East Riding, and also raises money for Dove House Hospice.”
The project works by encouraging residents in the Hull and East Riding area to donate their unwanted large domestic appliances that are in working order and good condition at one of the thirteen Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) located in the area or by organising a free collection from their doorstep.
The reusable items are separated, before a team of experts assess and tests the appliances to ensure they meet industry standards. The goods are then repaired or restored and made safe for the public to buy at the Reuse Electrical Shop, at a competitive price.
White goods including appliances such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble driers, electric ovens and cookers and microwaves can be reused and resold by the project.
The project is funded by the Distributor Takeback Scheme, which is operated by Valpak Retail WEEE services and is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and also offers a free delivery service on any goods purchased. For more information or to arrange a collection email: electricals@dovehouse.org.uk or call: 01482 710 284.