Question 1

What does the Reuse Network do?

Accepted Answer

Reuse Network are the UK’s only membership body dedicated to charitable and voluntary reuse organisations. Through their charity members across the United Kingdom, they work to help alleviate poverty, reduce waste and tackle climate change.

In 2020 the reuse sector prevented 111,664 tonnes of products from going to landfill, resulting in 1.5 million households being helped across the UK.

Not only were UK households helped, but the initiative of the Reuse Network also saved 123,236 tonnes of harmful CO₂ emissions entering the atmosphere.

Question 2

How many charities are part of the Reuse Network?

Accepted Answer

Reuse Network work with 120 members across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who vary from smaller volunteer-led charities to larger social enterprises.

They also work with commercial partners such as John Lewis & Partners, Currys and MEARS helping divert reusable goods to members across their network.

Question 3

How can you donate old household items to a member in the Reuse Network?

Accepted Answer

If you have working white goods appliance(s) that you no longer want or need, you can get in contact with the Reuse Network who will connect you to your nearest reuse charity.

Getting in touch is simple, you can call them on their free phone number, 0800 085 8339 or you can use their online finder to locate your local reuse charity by visiting www.reuse-network.org.uk/donate-items.

Question 4

Will someone collect my donated items?

Accepted Answer

Reuse Network will either collect your donation or arrange for you to drop your donation to them. Once the charity has your donation, your unwanted items will go through a series of checks and inspections before the item is either sold in their shops. With the money being used to support the work the charity does or the items will be provided to members of the community at an affordable cost or through social fund schemes.

This process means that your perfectly great unwanted items don’t end up in landfill and instead go towards helping people who need it most, meaning that no one is without a bed to sleep on, a cooker to cook on or a sofa to sit on.

Question 5

Do all donated goods get accepted?

Accepted Answer

Whether you’re worried the goods you want to donate are too old, not fit for purpose or you just want to make sure they get put to the best use, we asked representatives for the Reuse Network what happens once the goods have been donated.

First, the charity will carry out checks and examinations on the condition of the item and make any necessary repairs including a PAT test and function test. These checks and repairs are vital in ensuring that all items that go on to be sold or provided to members of the community meet the strict standards that guarantee white goods are safe to use.

If an item does not pass its PAT and function tests and requires repairs, only licenced charities Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF) and Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATF) can do so. This means that they have professional engineers to carry out these repairs safely and have been inspected by the Environment Agency.

If a donated good is found to be beyond repair or if the charity doesn't have the capacity to repair it, it will be disposed of responsibly using the appropriate channels.

Question 6

What happens after donating?

Accepted Answer

Once they pass the checks or have had the necessary fixes, your white goods appliance(s) will be sold through organisations in the charity or local initiatives. This way, not only is your donated item going to be raising funds for a local charity when it's sold, it can also have a positive impact on a family who can't afford to buy new household items and help to keep people in work.

On the other side of this, for those curious about buying a donated good through the Reuse Network, rest assured that when buying from a reuse charity or organisation, you can be confident that you're getting a good quality item.

You can find out more by reading their Social impact report.

Who are the Reuse Network?

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