Surrey launches new network to re-use furniture

In Surrey, around 3,000 tonnes of potentially reusable furniture and white goods are thrown away every year.

To help change that, Surrey County Council is supporting six local charities who have come together to form the Surrey Reuse Network (SRN).

This network aims to find new homes for donated furniture and kitchen appliances by reselling them.

Jean Pearson, Chairman of the county’s “Surrey Waste Partnership”, says: “People tend to throw things away when they are finished with them, forgetting that someone else may have a use for them. In these difficult financial times, reusing household items can be invaluable to families, whilst also benefiting the environment.”

John Atkinson, SRN spokesman explains: “We have a huge range of quality furniture donated from caring homes that really shouldn’t go to waste.  Whether it’s a young couple setting up their first home or someone wanting a unique piece for a home makeover, they’ll find what they’re looking for in one of our showrooms.”

Surrey Reuse Network offers a wide range of good quality items, which could help hundreds of households every year to furnish their homes at affordable prices with furniture, appliances and general household items. The target is to save 2,000 tonnes per year furniture and other materials from landfill by 2013.

To buy or donate furniture call 0800 082 0180 or visit www.surreyreusenetwork.org.uk.

For further information contact please contact Felicity Stanbridge at felicity.stanbridge@surreycc.gov.uk or on 020 8541 8751 or Pat Hindley at pat.hindley@surreycc.gov.uk or on 020 8541 8798 in the Surrey County Council Communications department.

The Surrey Waste Partnership is made up of Surrey County Council and the 11 district and borough councils in the county. It aims to manage Surrey’s waste in the most efficient, economic and sustainable way possible.