Two permanent reuse shops have opened at Luton’s Eaton Green and Progress Way recycling centres as part of a council drive to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Luton Council has launched the new purpose-built shops in partnership with waste contractor SUEZ, building on the success of earlier pop-up reuse schemes. The shops aim to help residents save money while giving unwanted items a second life and cutting the amount of waste sent for disposal.
The reuse shops were officially opened on Monday 26 January, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Councillor Ghulam Abbas, the council’s portfolio holder for strategic waste authority.
Residents can browse a wide range of donated pre-loved items, including clothing, electrical goods, books, toys and other reusable household items, all sold at affordable prices. The council said any profits generated will be reinvested locally through a social value fund, supporting community groups, charities and local initiatives. Some donated items, such as bicycles, will also be passed directly to schools and residents in need.
The council said the scheme also offers environmental benefits, with donations helping to reduce carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new products by keeping items in use for longer.
Councillor Abbas said the opening of the permanent shops marked a significant step forward for the town.
“This launch marks another important step in our commitment to reducing waste and improving sustainability,” he said. “The response to the pop-up shops was fantastic and these permanent shops allow us to make reuse part of everyday life.
“I encourage everyone to visit, whether to donate items or pick up a bargain, and help make a positive difference for our town.”
Jon Melling, operations manager for SUEZ, said the initiative would benefit both households and the environment.
“The reuse shops will give people the opportunity to save money, and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint by opting for pre-loved items over new,” he said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming residents to both reuse shops.”
Dr Adam Read MBE, chief external affairs and sustainability officer for SUEZ, said the shops would deliver long-term social and environmental value.
“These shops play a vital role in preserving our natural resources by keeping items in use for longer and have great social and environmental value,” he said.
Residents wishing to donate items can do so by taking good-quality, pre-owned goods to either recycling centre and informing site operatives, who will place them in the reuse container. The council stressed that only reusable items in good condition should be donated.
The reuse shops are open from 10am to 4pm on their operating days. The Eaton Green reuse shop is open from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the Progress Way reuse shop is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is no pedestrian access to either site.
Eaton Green Tidy Tip is located on Eaton Green Road in Wigmore, while Progress Way Tidy Tip is on Progress Way in Sundon.
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