82  Furniture and household goods

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Who's selling green garden furniture?  Go to this link!
www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/GFG/home.html
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Furniture reuse, repair and recycling, and furniture from reclaimed materials, have always been of great benefit to society.  However, like most industries carrying the unfair mantle of 'scrap', which are sustainable because they conserve materials, save energy and transport, and encourage creative skills, this one is generally under-promoted and under-valued.  

The first thing to consider is - does this furniture have to go?  Can it be repaired?  It may not be too hard to do it yourself, or ask someone you know.  See www.ehow.com/how_13736_upgrade-secondhand-furniture.html 

Most Waste Collection Authorities provide special collections of domestic furniture and bulky household waste, sometimes for a small charge.  Some pass on usable items to selected local charities.

The voluntary sector wants your furniture!
Much furniture and other goods may be converted to cash through second-hand shops, charities, house clearance specialists, inexpensive local advertising and auction houses. Car boot sales provide opportunities for DIY dealing - an interesting Sunday morning's diversion if not taken too seriously - and will sometimes shift surprising quantities of small items. 

Furniture schemes are usually local voluntary or community initiatives to benefit disadvantaged people by harnessing reusable resources that might otherwise be dumped.  They provide free collection of reusable furnishings and household effects which might otherwise be dumped, and offer practical help at minimal cost to those who most need it.

Most work on similar principles. They handle items suitable for reuse rather than providing a free tipping service for rubbish. They usually work together with the local social services and established voluntary agencies who provide letters of referral enabling 'clients' to buy donated goods at favourable rates, often as 'starter packs' of home furnishings. Some schemes undertake simple minor repairs if necessary, and if handling gas or electrical appliances, will arrange safety checks. A few may go further, and in partnership with local Job Creation Agencies, operate more extensive repair and restoration workshops. A particularly successful example is the Homeless Furnishing Project established in Brixton and later Haringey in 1993, which now provides 18 full time jobs for people previously unemployed.

Furniture Reuse Network 
The Furniture Reuse Network (FRN) is an umbrella network of over 300 UK furniture recycling projects, most of which collect, refurbish and distribute unwanted furniture and other household effects to pass on free or at nominal cost to people in need, usually referred by social services. Most schemes receive at least partial grant support.  FRN can provide information on legal requirements and good practice.  SOFA is an acronym used by several schemes, standing for Suppliers Of Furniture Accessories, or, if you prefer, Shifting Old Furniture Around.

This is gaining recognition as a sustainable industry and national resource.  Restoration and reuse provides a vital alternative to the producers and retailers operating from giant sheds brimming with often illegally imported timber from land owned by tribal peoples, or chipboard or fibreboard containing formaldehyde.  Many such chains aim to shift as much as possible of the earth's finite resources at maximum profit whatever the environmental or human cost.

The alphabetical list below is currently being updated and developed to cover the expanded WasteBook area of south-east England.  For details of furniture recycling in other geographical areas, please contact FRN.

Furniture Re-use Network (FRN) - see full entry below
Head Office / Administration 
Tel / Fax  01924 375252   Email furniture.rn@aol.com Website www.frn.org.uk 
c/o  Community Furniture Service, The Old Drill Hall, 17a Vicarage Street North, Wakefield, WEST YORKS WF1 4JS  
Research 
Tel 0117 954 3571  Fax 0117 954 3570 
Email  clairef@frn.org.uk 
48-54 West Street, St Philips, Bristol  BS2 0BL  
Contact  Craig Anderson, Development Manager (including info on white goods re-use and recycling) or Claire Franklin

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THE WASTEBOOK SAYS  
Fly-tipping is illegal, unsociable and unnecessary - don't even think about it.

There is a charge for every load of waste you take to landfill - 
BUT the organisations below may want to use your waste, 
or they could direct you to someone who does.

If you know someone who may be fly-tipping, PLEASE put them in touch 
with someone listed in THE WASTEBOOK who can help them.

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Also see
Timber reclamation (23)
Architectural salvage (24)
Books and publications (33)
Shop and office furnishings (86)
Auction houses (110)
Charity and community schemes (130)
Local government services (160)
Recycled and natural clothes and textiles (330)
Furniture and wood products from reclaimed materials (350)

For wood reclamation, reuse and recycling, see 23 Timber reclamation, and 350 Furniture and wood products from reclaimed materials.

WASTE REDUCTION TIP
Don't throw it away!  Repair it (or ask someone you know),  For help, see 
www.ehow.com/how_13736_upgrade-secondhand-furniture.html 

TIPS ON HOW TO BUY USED FURNITURE
Old furniture is not only trendy, but often better made, from durable wood no longer obtainable from forests today. Here are some useful tips: 
www.ehow.com/how_110116_buy-used-furniture.html 

WASTE TIP - CARPETS
Carpets, if in good condition, may be donated to charity shops.  If not reusable, old carpets can be placed on top of your compost heap to keep the heat in.  Man-made fibres will not rot - but carpets made from cotton or wool will decompose and compost eventually.  Pieces of carpet can also be laid on garden plots to kill weeds by depriving them of sunlight.

Alphabetical list of organisations

1st Call Restoration
Tel 0118 940 1898 (Workshop)  Tel 01628 670286 (Office)
Website www.1stcallrestoration.co.uk     Email information@1stcallrestoration.co.uk 
Milly Lane, Hare Hatch, Berks RG10 9TH (Workshop)
8 Dorchester Close, Maidehead, Berks, SL6 6RX (Office)

Modern and antique wood and metal restoration (all types).  Polishing, staining, spray painting, oiling, french polishing, specialist finishes to match any finish or colour.  Traditional and modern techniques - safe, non-corrosive methods.  Fireplaces, radiators, fittings. Also paint stripping - wood, doors, furniture, garden features.  Beds, Bucks, Oxford, Surrey and the south east.  (Updated Nov 2005)  

Aid and Assist   
Tel / Fax 01502 586925 
Email aid_assist@btconnect.com
54 High Street, LOWESTOFT, Suffolk NR32 1JA (Shop) 
6 Harvest Drive, South Lowestoft Industrial Estate, LOWESTOFT, Suffolk NR33 7NJ  (Warehouse)
Contact  Ann Stockdale Bond, Manager 

Adur Furniture Network
Tel 01273 441700
16 Brunswick Road, SHOREHAM BY SEA, West Sussex BN43 5UE

Successful district council furniture recycling scheme.  Produces 'AFN Blueprint', a resume on setting up a scheme for other potential groups, price £5.  (Updated Apr 2003)

Age Concern Furniture Store 
Tel 01908 263838  
6 Burners Lane, Kiln Farm, MILTON KEYNES, Bucks MK11 3HB
Contact  Joan, Assistant Manager

Charity collecting unwanted good quality furniture and all types of household items in good condition, including electrical items in working order.   These are resold at low cost through the shop.   No gas appliances, upholstered items without fire safety label, certain toys and safety items, or flat packs.  Collect free and deliver for small charge, Milton Keynes area only.  (Updated Apr 2003) 

Alistair Bromhead  
Tel 07932 674 707
Email a@abromhead.co.uk   Website www.abromhead.co.uk

Independent health, safety and environmental consultant with ten years experience.  Specialises in the furniture and timber industry, but also works for organisations in a variety of other sectors across the country.  Commissioned on retainer to a number of trade associations, and actively involved in providing advice to several hundred member companies.  Acts as a helpline adviser on environment legislation and best practice for the Government's Envirowise initiative, as well as undertaking waste minimisation counselling.  Works for individual companies, either on an ad-hoc basis or annual retainer agreement.  (Updated  July 2005

Any Junk?
Tel 0800 0431 007  /  020 8877 1155 
Website www.anyjunk.co.uk  Email enquiries@anyjunk.co.uk 
Unit A06, Riverside Business Park, Haldane Place, Wandsworth, LONDON SW18 4UQ

Junk clearance and rubbish removal for the home, office and garden, by " friendly, uniformed drivers in smart, shiny trucks".  Most of Greater London covered.  Old sofas to construction rubble.  Junk taken to recycling depot or given to charity if possible.  If your waste is all 'ready' at the same time, a useful alternative to skip hire.  One-off or regular clearances for offices.  Bookings within 2 hour 'windows'; team calls 15-30 min before arrival.  Payment on collection: rates per amount of junk collected and weight - rough quote on phone, exact quote on arrival - guide on website.  Office hours Mon to Fri 9 - 5; clearance hours Mon to Fri 8 - 5, Sat 9 - 1pm.  No hazardous materials such as paint, noxious chemicals, solvents, oil, petrol cans, gas bottles, tyres, asbestos, vehicle batteries, medical or biological waste.  No house-to-house removals, but can take to a charity if agreed with charity in advance.  (Updated Oct 2005)

Aylesbury Furniture Aid
Tel 01296 426566 
Units 1-2, Bessemer Crescent, Rabans Lane Industrial Estate, AYLESBURY, Bucks HP18 3TF
Contact  Shane Davison 

Charity collecting unwanted but usable furniture, domestic appliances, utensils etc in Beds and Bucks for sale at nominal prices to needy people on low incomes referred by local welfare agencies.  Gas cookers and electrical appliances are subjected to safety and functional checks.  Additional warehouse / shop at 11 Acacia Close, Cherry Court Way, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 8QB, Tel 01525 854648.  (Updated Apr 2003)

Banbury CVS Furniture Store 
Tel 01295 267741 
North Bar Place, BANBURY, Oxon OX16 0TD
Contact  Brian Hoare, Manager

Furniture collected and redistributed for reuse by people on benefits, welfare or income support, including those with disabilities, or homeless if referred by another organisation, social or welfare service.  Purely voluntary service.  Networks with local authorities.  All household goods taken and offered including armchairs and suites, except soft furnishings like sheets, blankets and bedding.   Items received or collected from all over the Cherwell area, from peoples' homes mainly, but will receive donations from any source including businesses and organisations.  Donors can phone to arrange to deliver or for a pick up time.  There is a small charge for collection, which covers expenses and is the sole income keeping the operation running: £5 minimum, which normally covers two or three large items.  Sometimes receives unusual or antique items.  Open 9-230 Mon-Fri, for clients to view, collect or arrange free delivery.  Collections normally arranged for between 930 and 12.  (Updated May 2003)

Basingstoke Community Furniture Project
Tel 01256 320700  Fax 01256 327500
Email phelim@cfpbasingstoke.org  Website www.cfpbasingstoke.org 
6 Joule Road, BASINGSTOKE, Hants RG21 6XH

Local charity collecting and receiving furniture, household and electrical goods (not gas), toys and baby equipment, and providing these at low cost to people on low income in Newbury, Basingstoke and surrounding towns and villages.  Small delivery charge.  Training and opportunities to develop work and social skills, and encourage environmentally beneficial activities.  Open Mon-Fri 930-1230, 1-4, and first Sat of month 930-1230.   Also operates Community Re>Paint in Newbury, accepting surplus useable paint and making it available, for a small donation, to educational, charitable and voluntary groups and people on low income.  Emulsion, gloss, primer, undercoat and exterior / masonry paints can be donated at Customer Services desk at B&Q in London Road, Newbury, 01635 528515.  (Updated Feb 2005)

Bedford Furniture Link 
Tel 01234 353578 (office)  Fax 01234 358009 (office)
Email mail@flb.org.uk  Website www.flb.org.uk 
1A Gadsby Street, BEDFORD, Beds MK40 3HP
Contact  Bernard Robinson

Independent charity collecting and storing unwanted quality items of used furniture and selected electrical equipment including fridges and freezers.  Provides furniture for those in need, and offers constructive volunteering opportunities to those in the community.  Furniture selected and delivered within a few days.  Particular need for electric cookers.  Curtains and bedding taken also.  Office open 930-430 (closed 1-2).  Gadsby St warehouse open Mon-Fri 10-1, except Wed open 11-2; closed bank holiday Mondays.  Collects in north and mid-Beds, between M1 and A1.  Five employees and 60 support agencies including advice centres, churches, round tables.  About 25 volunteers assist, including reception, driving, basic furniture repairs, electrical appliance repairs and testing.  Small charge for storage/delivery, eg double bed purchased and delivered for £20.  Financially supported by Community Fund (Lottery), Bedford BC, Mid Beds DC, Beds CC, and Harpur Trust.  Currently funded until 2006.  Recycles about 90 tonnes furniture per annum.  Well supported by community, trustees and management committee.  Networks with Emmaus at Carlton, Beds.  (Updated Nov 2005)

Black Cat Furniture
Tel / Fax 01525 712096
32 Church Road, Pulloxhill, BEDFORD MK45 5HE
Contact  Judith Terrell

Craft worker using discarded solid wood furniture.  Stripping pine, polishing, upholstery.  Restore items small enough to be transported by car (up to cupboard size - no 3-piece suites).  Individual commissions undertaken.  Offers of small unwanted items welcome.  Collection by arrangement.  Also buys and sells antiques.  (Updated May 2003)

BREWEB
Tel 01923 664454  Fax 01923 664398
Website  www.breweb.org.uk   Email  breweb@bre.co.uk
Contact  Rachel Charleston

BRE's Waste & Environmental Body facilitates ongoing environmental improvement in waste and construction industries through landfill tax sponsorship and/or collaborative partnerships in (high-profile) demonstration and research projects.  Currently projects seeking sponsorship include: furniture resource centre building materials re-use project; high grade aggregate from oil well drilling cuttings; removing barriers to the use of by-products from steel manufacturing in construction.  See also BRE, BREMAP, SalvoMIE and SmartWaste (20 Construction and demolition wastes).  (Updated August 2004)

Brighton & Hove Wood Recycling Project
Tel 01273 570500  Fax 01273 570600
4 Inverness Road, BRIGHTON, East Sussex BN2 3JB (postal address only) 
Unit 32-36, Municipal Market, Circus Street, BRIGHTON, East Sussex BN2 9QF (site address only)
Email info@woodrecycling.org.uk  Web www.woodrecycling.org.uk 
Contact  Richie Simpson, Managing Director; Christian Bernard - Director  

Originator of National Community Wood Recycling Project (see entry below) set up by Richard Mehmed, and developer of the Recycled Wood Marque.   About 6,000 tonnes of wood a year is landfilled from the Brighton and Hove area alone.  Much is worth saving - the Woodstore is filled with tonnes of  reusable timber, most from the construction / demolition industry.  There is also wooden packaging waste and many non-returnable pallets. (see section 52).  Much household wood ends up at the local tip, or stays in garages and sheds for years.  As most "waste" timber is commercial, a charge can be made to take it away - at less than the cost of a skip, so there is a financial and environmental incentive to recycle.  Sponsored by 3 environmentally aware local building companies, a small truck was bought to collect from their building sites.  Timber was separated and stacked for collection.  The loads are sorted and as much as possible re-used, for instance as floorboards, skirting, shelves and craft materials.  Only 15% of the timber collected is returned to the waste stream.  Also collects from firms with packaging waste and pallets, and members of the public.  

A classification system was developed with the following grades:  
Grade 1   Timber good enough to sell back to the DIY / builders market.  Altough virtually anything will be useful to someone, grade 1 is wood at least 2 metres long, relatively sound, free from bad splits, nails and other contaminants.  Also sheet materials including ply, chipboard, hardboard and MDF over  1 metre square; doors in good condition; pieces of hardwood and anything "interesting".  Although the wood might look dirty, it is suitable for many uses. 
Grade 2
Clean and sound, but too short or small to be easily sold for DIY.  Suitable to make wood products, from compost bins, bookshelves, art &craft items to high quality furniture.  Making and selling such items is a good way to raise cash and to get across the potential for using recycled wood.  The Recycled Wood Marque helps too, making it easier to identify recycled wood products. 
Grade 3
Around 80% of all wood waste, this grade is the biggest challenge - rotten fence posts, small offcuts, broken doors and everything that doesn't fit into the other two grades.  Much firewood is sold to local farmers with wood-fired boilers heating greenhouses;  lots is re-manufactured into chipboard.  A reasonably sustainable use for the large volume of this grade is as a fuel; one aim is to encourage installation of wood-fired heating / hot water systems in suitable buildings. With the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, wood could be widely used.  (Updated Nov 2005) 

Broxbourne Furniture Store 
Tel 07817 497917  Fax 01992 719391
Contact  Steve Risk

Aims to provide good quality furniture free for people in Broxbourne Borough area on a low income on on benefits.  Supplies charities and organisations, and will engage in moving people within the borough.  Open Mon-Fri 9-5.  Store open by appointment only; deliveries arranged afterwards (small charge).  (Updated Feb 2005)

Cambridge SOFA  (see below for SOFA Peterborough)
Tel / Fax 01223 576535  
Email recycle@cambridgesofa.org.uk   Website www.cambridgesofa.org.uk
Unit H, The Paddocks, 347 Cherry Hinton Road, CAMBRIDGE CB1 8DH
Contact  Beni Benstead, Manager; or Marion  

Voluntary group with two paid staff.  Collection of unwanted furniture, household and electrical goods for redistribution to people with proof of being on benefits or referred by social services, medical centres, or other known suitable organisations.  Open Mon-Fri10-3 for clients to view, pick up, or for a small charge arrange delivery.  Donors of items can phone to arrange delivery or free collection.  Items must meet trading standards, fire safety regulations, etc.  In store training for volunteers, including involvement in for example Investors In People scheme.  Provides talks for organisations and groups, including medical centres, doctors' surgeries, playgroups, Women's Institutes and many others - who often become a source of referred clients - given by Sarah Steggles, Assistant Manager and Outreach Officer.  Hoping to collect and redistribute unwanted paint under a Community Re>Paint scheme.  Note: 'SOFA' (Shifting Old Furniture Around) is the name adopted by a Bristol group who pioneered community furniture and household appliance recycling, starting the first successful scheme in Britain.  (Updated May 2003)

Cash Converters
Tel 01920 485697 / 01920 485696  Fax 01920 485695
Email administration@cashconverters.co.uk  Website www.cashconverters.co.uk 
15-17 Gentlemen's Field, Westmill Road, WARE, Herts SG12 0EF

Head office of a franchised national network of 98 shops (over 500 stores worldwide).  Secondhand dealers purchasing clean, unwanted goods in working order, particularly electronic, photographic, gardening, household and sports equipment. May not collect.  Normal opening hours 9-5, although this may vary.  Contact above or refer to Yellow Pages for locations of nearest shops.  (Updated May 2003)

Community Re>Paint 
Tel 0113 243 8777 Fax 0113 234 4222
Email mail@swap-web.co.uk  mark@swap-web.co.uk  Website www.communityrepaint.org.uk  
SWAP, 74 Kirkgate, LEEDS, West Yorks LS2 7DJ
Contact  Mark Gregory, Community Re>Paint Co-ordinator

Of 300 million litres of paint sold each year in the UK ( trade and domestic), 38 million litres are stored, hoarded in garages or wasted.  Save Waste And Prosper is an organisation  specialising in sustainable resource management, waste minimisation and recycling.  One of the projects they co-ordinate is Community Re>Paint, a national network of schemes which diverts one of the most common types of Hazardous Household Waste - unwanted paint - from the waste stream, sorts and redistributes it free for re-use by community groups, charities, and people on low incomes.  Over 70 local paint schemes operate around the UK.   Householders can donate surplus paint at drop- off points (usually a walk-in skip) such as a local DIY store, a skip at the civic amenity site, facilities at council or parish offices, kerbside collection, or direct delivery to the scheme's base.  Community Re>Paint schemes are usually run by voluntary groups but with active support from local authorities, DIY retailers and waste management companies.  SWAP offers a £3000 capital grant, promotional material and advice and support on set up and operation.  Main needs are collection site, portakabin or shipping container, and staff, time and finances to keep the scheme going.  The initiative, begun in 1994, has provided technical advice, training, promotional assistance and some capital grant funding to start local collection schemes.  Website has details of local schemes.  Examples (WasteBook section 82) are ECT and Newbury Community Furniture Project.  Community Re>Paint won Best Minimisation Project at Biffaward Awards 2000.  Unacceptable materials: Paint thinners, brush cleaners, stripper, varnishes and wood stains, preservatives and treatments, car and industrial paint, aerosol and spray paint, paint not in its original container.  Usable paint: emulsion, gloss, eggshell, satin, silk, undercoat, primer, floor, masonry and exterior paint, plus end-of-line paint from retailers.  (Updated Aug 2004)

Community Wood Recycling Project, National - see National Community Wood Recycling Project, below

Compass Community Shops, Peterborough
Tel  01733 343499
Website  www.compasspeterboroughltd.com/CommunityShopsMainpage.asp  
5 Scalford Drive, Welland
114 Chadburn, Paston
437 Lincoln Road
79 Eastfield Road - also has its own cafe.

Takes donations of clothes, kitchen and household items including bedding, crockery, curtains, children's toys, books, and electrical goods - kettles, toasters, lamps, that could be of use to somebody else.  Offered at low prices to those in need.  If unable to take your donation to one of the stores, they can collect.  House clearances undertaken.  Not for fund raising, but serving the community.  Belongs to Compass (Peterborough) partnership,  also including CompassIT (Restore IT) (see Computers, section 87); Restore scrapstore (section 140); SOFA furniture reuse and recycling (see below); Credit Union banking; Step One employment, training and benefits advice; and Partnership House 'one stop shop' advice on welfare benefits, debt, employment and guidance training for Welland residents.  (Updated Feb 2004)

Cray Kids Furniture
Tel 0208 300 8902  Fax 0208 300 9607
Email craykids@shaftesburysoc.org.uk  Website www.shaftesburysoc.org/website.asp?page=Cray%20Kids%20Furniture 
111 Cotmandene Crescent, ST PAULS CRAY, Kent BR5 2RB
Contact  Steve Bridge, Project Manager

Restorer of old wooden furniture that would otherwise be thrown away.  Also specialist maker of eye-catching, one-off recycled children's furniture and other woodwork items from reclaimed material, at affordable prices.  Only manufacturer of recycled children's furniture in London area (and possibly further afield).  Will design to your specifications.  Offers basic woodwork training to 14-21 yr olds.  Takes donations of wood and wood related materials including furniture from businesses and public.  Uses reclaimed and surplus woods - please contact the project if you have some available.  Training programme working with various youth and education agencies, to teach woodworking skills to 12 to 18 young people a year, often disadvantaged school leavers, working towards Level 1 City and Guilds woodwork qualification.  Also helps trainees improve numeracy and literacy skills.  Winner, Environmental Business Award.  Advice given on setting up similar projects - contact Chris Price, Tel 01689 832104, email cprice@shafttesburysoc.org.uk.  A project of  Shaftesbury Resources Centre, see listing below.  (Updated Aug 2004)

Dacorum Paradise Furniture Project  See Hemel Hempstead

Dorcas New Forest
Tel  Helpline 01425 619000 Mon-Thu 10 -1  Office 01425 627317 Mon - Thu 9 - 1  Fax 01425 627318   
Email emma@dorcasnewforest.co.uk
Unit 8, Milford Business Centre, Wick Drive, NEW MILTON, Hants BH25 6RH
Contact  Emma Mahy, Project Manager   Sally Paterson, Helpline Officer

Charity collecting unwanted furniture and household goods and appliances.  Cannot accept or supply gas cookers.  Sofas must have a fire safety regulation label.  Items are stored in a warehouse and delivered to local people in the most need.  Objectives are to assist those who cannot afford to buy new or second-hand by providing essential furniture and household items. This meets recycling objectives, preventing further landfill.  Donated goods collected from the local region within New Forest, and delivered to Highcliffe, New Milton, Lymington, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Ringwood, Fordingbridge, and Beaulieu areas.  People who receive goods are invited to donate £5 towards delivery and fuel costs.  Recipients are referred  from local statutory or voluntary agencies or the independent sector eg New Forest District Council housing department, social services, Citizen’s Advice Bureaux, health visitors, housing associations, religious ministers.  (Updated June 2004)

East Herts Furniture Scheme
Tel 01920 877305  Fax 01920 872375
Unit 8, Amwell Lane, STANSTEAD ABBOTTS, Herts SG12 9SS
Contact  Janet Ilott, Scheme supervisor

Free collection of furniture and white and electrical goods, suitable for small flats, within East Herts Council area.  No pianos, bikes etc.  Available to residents on benefit only.  Deliveries £5.  Warehouse opening hours for viewing 930-1230.  Information via libraries, leaflets, doctors' surgeries, CVS, county magazines etc.   (Updated May 2003)  

ECT Recycling
Tel 0208 832 2494  Recycling Hotline 0208 937 5037  Fax 0208 832 1983
Email info@ectrecycling.co.uk  Website www.ectrecycling.co.uk   
Greenford Depot, Greenford Road, GREENFORD, Middlesex UB6 9AP

Substantial independent, not for profit charitable community organisation, headed by Ealing Community Transport, set up in 1979, dedicated to serving the community through recycling and transport.  Now largest UK not for profit recycling organisation employing 200 and operating and maintaining 100 vehicles.  Runs local authority contracted kerbside recycling box collections in Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hackney, Hounslow, Lambeth, Richmond, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest; also Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire.  Collects cans, foil, glass, oils, paper, surplus paint and textiles, using purpose-built vehicles.  Paint is redistributed to anyone able to use it, via a 'Community Re>paint' scheme established in 1994.  Pioneer of Furniture Recycling Network (see below), collecting unwanted domestic furniture for those who need it; redistributes office furniture throughout London.  Tests and extracts CFCs from scrap refrigeration equipment.  Piloting kitchen waste collection - OWL (Organics in West London - see 11 Green waste and composting for similar initiatives) - to be made into compost then sold for use in parks and gardens, feeding the soil (partnership with London Remade, West London Waste Authority, Waste Watch, and the Organic Resource Agency;  uses in-vessel composting units in integrated kitchen waste and dry recyclable collection).  Recycling Hotline 0208 937 5037 for residents with queries about their doorstep recycling service.  Parent company of Lambeth Community Recycling.  Also runs transport services aimed mainly at older and disabled people; and ECT Buses provides some bus routes for London.  (Updated Nov 2003)

Ely Sofa
Tel 01353 663418  Fax 01353 668919
Email ely-sofa@btopenworld.com, ely_sofa@btopenworld.com  
31 St Mary's Street, ELY, Cambridgeshire CB7 4HF
Contact  Sherrie Halls, Coordinator  

Emmaus Cambridge
Tel 01223 863657 (shop / enquiries)   Tel / Fax 01223 862676 (business office)   Tel 01223 863950 (charity/homelessness office)  
Email xt40@dial.pipex.com  Website www.emmaus.org.uk
Green End, Land Beach, Cambridgeshire CB4 8ED

Social ethics led organisation, giving previously homeless people accommodation and fulfilling work.  Furniture recycling is one of the most successful ways the organisation's UK sites have accomplished this.  Receives during opening hours, and collects and delivers by prior arrangement, unwanted, good quality furniture and household goods including electrical items, for resale to fund the project.  Delivery charges apply, but vary.  Also runs social furniture project selling items at reduced rates for those on benefits (referral/proof required - no delivery charge).  Works with many other organisations, mainly social services and agencies.  Takes almost anything - except soft furnishings without safety labels, computer equipment, baby items, pianos or electric organs, fridges with defective seals, photocopiers, gas bottles, or tins containing paraffin, petrol, paint or other inflammables.  Takes unusual / antique items, which may be restored before sale.  Publicity info and leaflets available.  Open 8.30-1 and 2-5 Mon, 8.30am-5pm Tue-Sat.  (Updated May 2004)

Emmaus Village Carlton  
Tel 01234 720826   Fax 01234 721964   Email emmausvillage@aol.com  
School Lane, CARLTON, Beds MK43 7LQ   
Contact  Maureen and Alan Barrett, Community Leaders, or John Creasey, Project Development Manager

Self-supporting, friendly community offering homeless and unemployed people their own room independent of state benefits, and work including recycling items then sold to the public.  Open to public 10-4 Wed to Sat.  Donations of resaleable items welcome, from dining suites, wardrobes, dressing tables and beds, to smaller items.  Furniture showroom has ever-changing 'quality' bargains that could furnish an empty home.  Shops, stalls and market sell donated books, clothes, jewellery, pictures, toys, trinkets, crockery, furniture, bic-a-brac at bargain prices.  Electrical items checked and provided with PAT certificate.  Visitors can ask if unseen items are in store or to be donated shortly.  Furniture repaired and renovated in workshop, run by experienced manager.  Hoping to make bespoke furniture to order.

Emmaus St Albans
Tel  01727 817 294 (Office)   01727 817297 (Shop)    Fax  01727 817077 (Office)
Email  emmausatstalbans@aol.com   Website  www.emmaus.org.uk
Hill End Lane, ST ALBANS, Herts AL4 0FE
Contact  David Bex, Co-ordinator

Social ethics led organisation, giving previously homeless people accommodation and fulfilling work.  Free collection (or preferably receives by prior arrangement) unwanted, good quality furniture and household goods to redistribute to the public, residents and those on low incomes (referral forms and letters used - can be provided on request).  Flexible pricing according to needs; small delivery charge.  Seeking lounge, dining, kitchen and bedroom furniture, small electrical goods such as irons and kettles, and  large electrical items such as electric cookers, washing machines, dryers,  fridges, freezers, and fridge-freezers.  Beds, sofas, and armchairs must have appropriate fire safety labels; no upholstery taken.  Deliveries and collections 9-12 and 2-4 Tue-Sat.  Items on view in shop, but people can also request to see extra items held in warehouse.  Holds regular open days.  Leaflets and handouts available, and also placed eg in local doctors' and council offices.  Involved with St Albans Girls School, including events.  Talks at schools, churches, local groups, voluntary and other organisations.  Open Tue-Sat 9-5.  Networks with CVS Furniture Recycling Scheme, Harmondsbury Hospital, Radlett 01923 857930.  (Updated May 2004)

First Call see 1st Call

First Move Furnishaid Ltd
Tel 01493 331919  Fax 01493 854551
Email 1move@furnishaid.ffnet.co.uk
Nelson Drill Hall, Artillery Square, GT YARMOUTH, Norfolk NR30 2LR
Contact  Graham Dugdale, Warehouse manager   

Charitable furniture reuse company.  Offers free collection of any reusable furniture and household items, including electrical and white goods (but no gas, or dressing tables).  Can take items without fire safety labels - when sold items are provided with a document explaining safety.  Goods sold at very low prices (a 3-piece suite for £40).  Buyers should show proof of benefit, or referral from hospitals, social services, and many other agencies.  Flexible free collection (afternoons) and delivery (mornings) in Gt Yarmouth borough.  Warehouse shop open for view and buy 9.30-3.30 Mon-Fri.   Collects mainly from households.  Breaks down anything not saleable, but keen to find and work with any organisations and companies offering environmental reuse and recycling eg for electrics, wood and textiles.  Staffed by volunteers.  Part of First Move, working with anyone unemployed or on benefit in the borough.  Networks with many organisations in the region, including Aid and Assist, Benjamin Foundation, Salvation Army Norwich, and British Heart Foundation Lowestoft (see separate listings).  Handouts and leaflets available, and library displays undertaken.  (Updated May 2004)

FRACAS (Furniture Reuse Across Civic Amenity Sites) - see Restore Community Projects below

Furniture Aid Leighton Linslade - see Leighton Linslade below

Furniture Exchange RVT
Tel 0208 392 1420
Townmead Centre, Townmead Road, Kew, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 4EL

Distribution scheme for unwanted furniture  covering London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.  Van collections on Mondays.

Furniture Now!
Tel 01273 487377 / 479528 
Email tub@furniturenow.fsnet.co.uk  Website www.furniturenow.org.uk 
Unit 1&2 Phoenix Works, North Street, LEWES, East Sussex BN7 2PE
Contact  Tub Collins

Charity established 1994 for community furniture re-use, recycling and training in the arts and techniques of restoration of furniture and household items.  Re-use: collects  furniture and appliances free from households, organisations and businesses, and supplies al low cost to people on low incomes.   Reduce: helps minimise the environmental impact of waste collection and disposal.  Recycle: operates services to help local communities minimise their waste; carries out repair and renovation to create usable furniture with a minimum of manufacturing process; ensures materials which can be recycled do not become waste.  Aims to offer as wide a choice of good quality furniture as possible, including carpet and rugs, children's items and office equipment, but no electrical items.  Open Mon to Thu 10 am to 4 pm.  Warehouse has full disabled access.  Low impact, sustainable transport

Recent laws on fire-proof upholstery have resulted in an enormous amount of dining chairs, sofas, arm chairs etc going into landfill.  But FN!’s upholstery programme teaches skills in taking these old items, re-upholstering them and returning them to use with a new lease of life.  New skills and creative talent can be harnessed (eg stippling, stencilling, wood-graining, marbling and rag-rolling) while completing accredited training.  Trainees complete a unit in Health & Safety in the Workplace.  Training for mental health service users.  Also provides kerbside recycling of household waste in Lewes, in partnership with the local authority and community volunteer groups.  Aims to protect the environment by research and development into waste minimisation and recycling, and education by demonstrating sustainable practices.  Tries to offer comprehensive solutions to problems of environmental degradation, waste, poverty and social exclusion.  (Updated Feb 2004)

Furniture Reuse Across Civic Amenity Sites (FRACAS) - see Restore Community Projects below

Furniture Re-use Network - see also introduction at top of page
Head Office / Administration 
Tel 01924 380587 / 01924 375252 
Email furniture.rn@aol.com  Website www.frn.org.uk 
c/o  Community Furniture Service, The Old Drill Hall, 17a Vicarage Street North, Wakefield, WEST YORKS WF1 4JS  

Research and Development Office
Tel 0117 954 3571  Fax 0117 954 3570 
Email clairef@frn.org.uk 
48-54 West Street, St Philips, Bristol  BS2 0BL  
Contact  Craig Anderson, Development Manager (including info on white goods re-use and recycling) or Claire Franklin

Established 1989 to improve services of UK furniture re-use charities continuously, and help them support one another.  Co-ordinating body for 300 UK furniture and appliance re-use and recycling organisations - over 160 refurbish domestic appliances for re-use - collecting and passing on a wide range of safe, legally compliant household items to low income families and people in need.  Promotes re-use of household items to alleviate hardship, distress and poverty.  Brings social, economic and environmental benefit.  

Re-use of 1.5 million items per year.  Over 250,000 domestic appliances repaired annually for those who cannot afford new ones.  Diverts 63,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, and helps 5000 people work to collect and deliver furniture and appliances.  Free collection from households.  FRN members operate the largest UK fridge collection, of over 300,000 fridges a year - up to 15% are re-used.  FRN expects all members to respect principles of Community development: to interact with, empower, include and represent their local communities.  Puts human values before financial gain.  Hopes individuals receive more satisfaction from experiencing reuse, whether as donor, volunteer, staff, referral agency or household.  

Publications:
Fit for Re-use - good practice guide to operating an electrical appliance re-use, refurbishing and recycling facility.  FRN's WEEE-compliant national standard.
ARRC (Appliance Re-use and Recycling in the Community) Strategy - on implementing future work practices of organisations involved in community domestic appliance re-use, as set out in "Fit for Re-use”.  
Loading Up - good practice guide to set up and run a community-based furniture re-use organisation, including accounting systems and health and safety.  
National Standards - in eg project monitoring, evaluation, and furniture collection.

Website carries map which you can click on to find nearest charity receiving donated goods.  FRN is developing 35+ regional centres ARRC Centres (WEEE sorting centres) to offer full audit trail, following "Fit for re-use”.  Member organisations strive to best practice in employment, health and safety, volunteering and anti-discriminatory practice.  (Updated Feb 2004)

Furniture Store - see Broxbourne

Garden House Hospice 
Tel 01462 476922  Fax 01462 476916
Vantage Point, Birds Hill, LETCHWORTH Garden City, Herts SG6 1GH
Contact  Warehouse Manager

Charity.  Collect, within North Herts, unwanted furniture, beds with suitable safety labels, bulky items and clothes in saleable condition. No electrical goods.  No furniture repair/restoration.  Trading company open 9-4.30.  Items for sale through seven shops in Letchworth, Hitchin and surrounding area. Training for volunteers for shops and the trading company.  (Updated May 2003)

Gatehouse Furniture Recycling
Tel 01284 754967  Fax 01284 761212   Email  gatehouse@waitrose.com 
Dettingen Way, BURY ST EDMUNDS, Suffolk IP33 3TU
Contact  Jenny West

Free collection by prior arrangement of all household items that are clean and meet fire regulations.  Redistributed to anyone on low income.  Furniture is not priced - donation requested for transport costs and workers' time.  Purpose built unit open 2 days a week, or by appointment 5 days a week.  Leaflets and Poster available.  (Updated June 2004)

Global Office Supplies / Holloway Office Furniture
Tel 0207 607 9177
253 Holloway Road LONDON N7 8HG

Buys and sells secondhand office furniture and supplies.  Also sells new.  (Updated May 2005)

Green-Works
Tel 0845 230 2231  Fax 0207 981 0441
Email info@green-works.co.uk  Website www.green-works.co.uk  
(Head office)  2nd Floor, Downstream, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG 
Contact  Chris Triggs (furniture to donate) or Colin Crooks on 0207 9810450 (info and membership) 

Practical service removing redundant office equipment, while tackling environmental concerns and helping local community groups.   Not-for-profit social enterprise bridging gap between organisations with redundant office and IT equipment and those needing it, like schools, charities, hospitals, community groups and start-up businesses (over 700 to date).  Also sells to individuals, SME's and other groups, mostly from regional outlets (below).  Now makes range of new furniture, Re-made as-new to order from reclaimed timber, from Wembley warehouse.  One-stop service to members, mainly commercial organisations or government bodies, to remove all unwanted office furniture and redistribute or recycle it - helping member' fulfil corporate and social responsibilities (including 'waste regulations, activity in local community, and ethical standards'); and needs of their facility management and office relocation consultants.  Supplies, and can deliver, at discount and low cost.  Range changes constantly: desks, filing cabinets, conference tables and chairs, pedestals, coat-stands, notice boards, shelving, floor panelling, waste paper bins, stationery and IT.  Also supplies reused, as-new carpet tiles in various colours, eg to replace worn tiles in busy office corridors (in partnership with Interface).  Operates in deprived inner city areas to create jobs and training for disadvantaged and disabled people.  Also exports to developing countries.  Members pay initial annual membership, based on number of employees and amount of furniture likely to be disposed, entitling them to at-cost collections.  Records destinations of all equipment donated.  Donors may use donations for marketing.  Website includes environmental advice at www.green-works.co.uk/corporateinformation/environmentaladvice/module_index.php?id=2.  Quarterly newsletter includes amounts of equipment reused and recycled.  News and events page.  Customers include: Barnardo's, Cutty Sark, Action on Pre-Eclampsia, Universities, Law Centres, Prison Reform Trust, Prince's Trust, Ozone Friends.  Corporate members include banks and Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 
3 warehouses in London.  Regional outlets: Woolwich, Silvertown (see listings below); Leicester (contact Sue Pitman, 0116 224 1350, leicester.warehouse@green-works.co.uk), East Durham (contact Peter Keaveney, 0191 518 4394 or mobile 07971 018996), and Paisley, Scotland.  Founded 2000.  (Updated Feb 2007)

HCVS, Rainbow Services, Furniture Recycling  Project
Tel (HCVS) 01279 308315  Tel (Shop) 01279 308151
1&2 Slacksbury Hatch, Helions Road, HARLOW, Essex CM19 4ET

Collection of unwanted furniture for use by Harlow people on low incomes.  Also operate a recycling shop open Mon, Tue and Thu 9-12, 1-3, for unwanted clothing, bedding and household effects.  (Updated May 2003) 

Hemel Hempstead: Dacorum Paradise Furniture Project
Tel 01442 263197 (furniture and collection) or 269892 (training, other matters)  Fax 01442 263192  Email paradise_project@talk21.com 
Website www.hertsdirect.org/comdirectory/comvol/comorg2y/furnscheme3/878838.
c/o DBC Housing Dept, Paradise Industrial Estate, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, Herts HP2 4TQ 
Contact  William Allen or Wendy Dove 
 
Successful and expanding furniture recycling and refurbishing scheme.  Part of Dacorum CVS, but seeking independence.  Collection line staffed 9-12am.  Warehouse open Mon-Thu 1-4pm, Fri 1-3pm for sales to public, but 50% discount for benefit claimants.  People in urgent need referred by social services and other appropriate agencies get priority.  Collection free, except £5 for fridges and freezers.  Delivery charge £5 within borough, increased rates outside.  Two schemes operated: (1) Domestic furniture including beds with fire label, working white & electrical goods inc fridges, and crockery.  No gas appliances, children's or garden furniture, wardrobes over 3'6" wide, or long low sideboards. Electrical goods tested for safety before resale. (2) Kingsland office furniture project (KEEP) on separate site accepts office furniture from local companies, and undertakes re-upholstery and repair / restoration before distribution to local charities and voluntary organisations.  Goods are made from reclaimed wood; also mirror recycling and painting.  Training provided in upholstery, woodwork, warehousing and IT for people recovering from mental illness, ex-offenders, and from Volunteer Bureau.  Woodwork courses and forklift training planned.  Community Re>Paint scheme starting Summer 2003.  Two income streams - sales, and funded training contracts.  (Updated Jan 2006)

Home from Home 
Tel  01634 409509 (Warehouse 1)   01634 828567 (Warehouse 2)    Fax  01634 826000
Email  trust@vinescentre.org.uk    Website  www.vinescentre.org.uk/home%20from%20home.htm, www.vinescentre.org.uk
The Vines Centre Trust, Gas House Road, ROCHESTER, Kent ME1 1PN
Contact   Dwain Vinten,  or Paul Bellamy, Operations manager

Homestore (Quaker Social Action)
Tel 0208 519 6264  Fax 0208 519 9453
Email Homestore@dial.pipex.com  Website www.quakersocialaction.com/homestore.html  
Unit 2, Maryland Ind Est, Maryland Road, Stratford, LONDON E15 1JW  
Contact  Jim Carling, Project Manager

Charity collecting unwanted furniture, domestic and electrical goods, for redistribution to people on low incomes referred by any suitable organisations within East London Boroughs, including social services and housing associations.  Open Mon-Fri 10-3 for clients to view, collect or arrange to receive free delivery of items - some form of identification required.  Office hours Mon-Fri 9-430 for all queries.  Those wishing to donate items can phone the office for free collection or to make arrangements to deliver.  Donations are regularly made by businesses, organisations and individuals.  Please see website for postcodes covered by HomeStore.   Also on site is Odd Jobs Training Centre,  for those homeless and vulnerably housed.   Networks with Forest Re-paint community scheme, for example restoring furniture.  Open to networking with other projects and activities.   (Updated Jan 2005) 

Hounslow Community Transport Furniture Project
Tel 0208 744 0615  Fax 0208 744 0623 
Carnegie Hall, Northcote Avenue, ISLEWORTH, Middx TW7 7JQ

Unwanted furniture, including office furniture, collected free and sold at low cost for reuse by people in need, mainly council referrals.  Warehouse also open to public, 8.30am - 4pm.  All household and electrical goods taken, as well as gas appliances which are serviced by qualified engineers.  Delivery £10. Serves Hounslow, Chiswick, Ealing, Richmond, Twickenham, Stanmore, Ashford.  Furniture needing repair is sent elsewhere for refurbishing by handicapped people.  Also operates a 'dial a ride' service from Montagu Rd.  Not connected to ECT.  Supported by council and lottery funding.  (Updated May 2003)

Hove YMCA (Trading)
Tel 01273 731724  Fax 01273 715449
Email info@hveymca.org.uk  Website www.hoveymca.org.uk 
17 Marmion Road, HOVE, East Sussex BN3 5FS
Contact  Chris Turner-Robson

Five charity shops in Brighton and Hove area, three accepting furniture and electrical goods as well as clothes, books and household items.  Vans can collect larger items - more info from 01273 777212 930-430 Mon Sat.  Furniture at 4 Blatchington Road, Hove (205265) and 22 Brunswick Road, Shoreham (441993), and electrical goods 66 Blatchington Road, Hove (776868).  Furniture and bicycles repaired.  Volunteers wanted (£3.50 lunch and travel expenses).  (Updated Feb 2005)


Ipswich Furniture Project 
Hogarth Road, Ipswich IP3 0EY
Tel 01473 404004  Email ipswichfp@aol.com 
Contact  Bob Whitehead

Charity collecting general domestic furniture including electrical goods and passed on to people on benefit within Ipswich area. Open Mon-Fri 9am-12.  (Updated Feb 2004)

Kings Cross Furniture Project  see Restore Community Projects


Leighton Linslade Recycling Initiative (Furniture Aid) 
Tel 01525 854648
11 Acacia Close, Cherry Court Way, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Beds LU7 8QB
Contact  Shane Davison

Charity collecting unwanted but usable furniture, domestic appliances, utensils etc in Beds and Bucks for sale at nominal prices to needy people on low incomes referred by local welfare agencies. Gas cookers and electrical appliances are subjected to safety and functional checks.  Additional warehouse / shop at Units 1/2 Bessemer Crescent, Rabans Lane Industrial Estate, Aylesbury HP18 3TF, Tel 01296 426566.  (Updated Apr 2003)

Letchworth Furniture Link  see North Herts CVS

Lighthouse Furniture Project
Tel 01277 222050
Website www.lighthousefurniture.org  Email admin@lighthousefurniture.org 
Unit 27 Tallon Road, Hutton Industrial Estate, BRENTWOOD, Essex CM13 1TE
Contact  Brian Darwood

Not for profit church-based organisation collecting good quality furniture, household items, soft furnishings (fire safety labels), carpets and white goods (less than 5 years old, in working order) for reuse.  No pianos, suites with wooden arms, glass tables, gas and electric fires.  Committed to recycling furniture which would otherwise go to landfill.   Aims to offer good quality, essential items of furniture to people in Brentwood and surrounding areas on low income or marginalized through hardship, poverty, social exclusion, disability or mental distress.  Referral scheme provides up to 50% discount.  Scheme managed by small team and relies on support of volunteers.  Warehouse open for viewing and buying Mon-Fri 930am to 4pm, Sat 930 to 1230.  £10 charge for home deliveries.  Plans to work with local small electrical retailers to repair and re-use electrical items ready for next years WEEE legislation.  May set up a paint re-use scheme. (Updated Nov 2005)

Magpie Recycling Co-operative Furniture Department
Tel 01273 677577  Fax 01273 622415
Website www.magpie.uk.com  Email: magpie@solutions-inc.co.uk 
Saunders Park Depot, Saunders Park, BRIGHTON, East Sussex BN2 4AY

Established 10 years, Magpie aims to run a sustainable business, and to "make it easier to be green".  40,000 residents and people working locally receive one of Magpie's services.    Magpie furniture recycling, set up in 1994, stops furniture going to landfill and provides affordable furniture to those on low incomes and benefit, or free to homeless people referred through the Council.  Head office at Unit B, Ashcourt, Hollingdean Lane, Brighton - see Charity section in WasteBook.  Also runs home kerbside Green Box recycling collection, serving 5000 customers using electric vehicles.  Paper and cardboard collected from over 300 customers including businesses, schools, colleges, both universities, Brighton & Hove Council and social services.  Includes confidential waste shredding service.  Magpie Home Delivery is creating a market for products made from recycled materials to close the 'recycling gap'.  Delivery scheme became separate company, Real Food Direct, in May 2000, adding carefully sourced organic and local products, committed to providing a convenient, friendly and reliable way of shopping - see section on Organic and low input food.  (Updated Oct 2002) 

Malcolm Archer
Tel 01920 871858
83 The Maltings, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbots, Ware, HERTS SG12 8HG

Clock restorer.  (Updated May 2003)

MENCAP 
Tel 0208 880 9041 (warehouse) 
Website www.mencap.org.uk  
865 Victoria House, Tottenham High Street, LONDON N17 8AD

National mental health charity head office and main branch, with shop.  Unwanted furniture collected free (Tel 0208 880 9034) for reuse by people in need as well as public.  Furnishings, household items, bric-a-brac, beds, electrical goods, gas cookers but not fires.  Minor restoration/repairs only.  Open 8-6 Mon-Fri, 8-4 Sat.  Operate mainly North London and Herts.  Branches at Ponders End, Turnpike Lane, Finsbury Park, Seven Sisters.  Small charge for deliveries, min £3 per order (not per item).  (Updated May 2003)

Mobile Repair Service
Tel 0207 226 8431 (staffed 10.30-12.30, or answerphone)  Fax 0207 704 0391  
Email services@mobilerepairservice.org.uk  Website www.mobilerepairservice.org.uk  
2 St Paul's Road, LONDON N1 2QN  

Registered charity.  A repair agency working exclusively for pensioners and people with disabilities.  Repairs, tests and guarantees equipment for domestic use including cookers, washing machines, fridges, vacuum cleaners.  All equipment checked for safety and function before being passed on.  Takes good equipment in working order - no small electrical items.  Does not sell items on.  Electrical, plumbing and small carpentry work also undertaken.  Operates a system of prioritising according to need, but without means testing.  No proof of welfare benefits required.  Works in association with Social Services.  Space and other priorities sometimes means equipment cannot always be accepted.  (Updated May 2004)

Morph
Tel 020 7168 2531
Website www.morph.org.uk  Email info@morph.org.uk 
19-23 Kingsland Road, Hackney, LONDON E2 8AA

Recycles unwanted furniture, selling home or office items at bargain prices.  The idea is from the continent, where recycling and social enterprise are big business, and several independent furniture recycling outlets used a common brand.  Collaboration between: Pecan Ltd (train and help people get jobs); Shaftesbury Resource Centre (help people furnish their homes); London Recycling Fund (promote recycling and reducing waste); Hackney Council (pioneering ways to reduce rubbish and landfill).  More upmarket than many secondhand furniture stores - cafe, pine floorboards, artwork on the wall.  People on benefit who register are entitled to discounts.  Furniture can be donated online or via Hackney Council Recycling Unit on 020 8356 6688.  Open Mon 10 - 1, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 10- 5.  Closed Wed.  (Updated Oct 2005)

The National Community Wood Recycling Project (NCWRP)
Tel 01273 465666  Fax 01273 465616
Email info@communitywoodrecycling.org.uk  
Website www.communitywoodrecycling.org.uk  
Premier House, Shoreham Airport, West Sussex BN43 5FF
Contact  Melanie Hickford, Communications Manager;  Richard Mehmed, Project Director 

Not-for-profit environmental group set up in February 2003 (at Brighton & Hove Wood Recycling Project - see above) to provide encouragement, help and practical advice to individuals or groups interested in setting up and developing community-focused wood recycling.  Helps and monitors a network of wood recycling projects across UK dealing in waste timber from construction and other users.  Wood is collected mainly from building site demolition, joinery, packaging and domestic waste, sorted into grades, then sold to the public via 'wood shops' or converted into wood products, firewood, woodchips for fuel, mulches or animal bedding.  Aims to see 20 more UK wood recycling projects (typically not-for-profit social enterprises) set up by 2007, saving thousands of tonnes of wood from landfill, creating sustainable jobs, training and volunteering opportunities, and aiding local waste minimisation strategies.  To encourage use of recycled timber, has developed the "Recycled Wood Marque", making it easier to identify recycled wood products.  They hope it will be adopted nationally and internationally.  People choosing products with the marque will encourage use of recycled materials.  More info on website.  (Updated Nov 2005)

Newbury Community Furniture Project (CFP)
Tel 01635 43933  Fax 01635 43978  
Email jacky@crcentre.freeserve.co.uk  Website www.cfpnewbury.org  
Unit 5, 36 Queens Road, NEWBURY, Berks RG14 7NE
Contact  Kelvin Hughes, Chief Executive

Unwanted furniture collected for reuse.  Donations welcome from businesses or individuals.  Items sought include furniture and household goods, electrical appliances (cookers, fridges, washing machines etc), baby goods and toys.  No clothes, gas appliances or sofas without fire safety label; and no glass-topped furniture or items containing panes of glass A4 or larger without toughened glass mark.  Collection by arrangement.  Open Mon-Fri 9.30-12.30, 1-4pm, and first Sat of month 930-1230.  Items sold at low cost to people on benefit, including pensioners, those on low-income tax credits, in emergency need, or referred by other organisations like Citizen's Advice Bureau, YMCA, Mencap, Social Services.  Proof of identity needed for each visit.  Collects from warehouse, or receives delivery (£8-15 depending on distance, normally next working day).  Variety of training and education offered for staff and volunteers.  Unusual / antique items restored or passed on via other outlets including auction houses.  Safety tests all electrical appliances sold.  Accepts phones, and printer and toner cartridges for recycling (but not EPSON products).  Works with council to support waste reduction campaign.  Info on all activities, directions map, and list of linked and supporting organisations on CFP's clear website.  Operates Newbury's Community Re>Paint scheme, but paint should be taken to B&Q, London Rd, Newbury, 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, 10-4 Sun - not to CFP.  See also sections 87 and 130.  (Updated Feb 2005)

Nine Lives Furniture - see Rickmansworth 

NOAH Enterprise Furniture Link
Tel 01582 484001  Email info@noahenterprise.org 
54 Church Street, Power Court, Luton (Head office and warehouse)
Contact  Paul Robson, Kathy Lewis

NOAH (New Opportunities and Horizons), a charity set up to help homeless and disadvantaged people, operates the main furniture recycling scheme in Luton.  Two Luton vans collect unwanted furniture, which is redistributed to those finding accommodation.  Good quality used furniture sold.  Claims 70% is reused or recycled.  White goods, cookers, fridges refurbished for reuse from 2005 at 20,000 sq ft premises.  Training services (including accredited courses in carpentry, upholstery and basic joinery), and charity shop selling quality used clothing and bric-a-brac, are at 11-15 High Town Road, Luton LU2 0BW, Tel 01582 736751, Fax 01582 877024.  Other courses and help to heighten self-worth and aid transition to employment is offered.  Training centre has won Beacon award for 'sustainable community development'.  Welfare services, providing lunchtime meals, at 141 Park Street, Luton LU1 3HG, Tel 01582 728416  Fax 01582 486757.  (Updated Nov 2005)

North Herts CVS Furniture Link 
Tel 01462 683800  Fax 01462 683801
Email info@furniturelink.fslife.co.uk  Website www.nhcvs@care4free.net
Unit 8 Lacre Way, LETCHWORTH, Herts SG6 1NR
Contact  Faye Lloyd, Manager; Yolanda Warrell

Charity collecting used good quality furniture, linen, curtains, household items and electrical goods, available to low income families via a warehouse in Letchworth.  Also networks with and helps other charitable and community organisations.  Covers N Herts district (not Stevenage) and part of S Beds.  Open 1-4 Mon-Fri for customers to select items (people on proven low income, referred by statutory bodies or in emergency situations). Encourages pride of ownership.  Small operation - one vehicle, 2.5 staff!  Currently funded until 2005.  Free training and recycling workshop to renovate and reupholster.  Supported by Community (Lottery) funding, N Herts District Council and Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. Parent body N Herts CVS, Hitchin.  (Updated Feb 2005)

North London SOFA Project
Tel 0207 281 5111
Old Laundry, 260 Hornsey Road, Holloway, LONDON N7 7QT

North Norfolk Resettlement Scheme  
Tel 01328 853382  Fax 01328 853384
Email  resettlement@benjaminfoundation.fsnet.co.uk 
2 Norwich Street, FAKENHAM, Norfolk NR21 9AE
Contact  Matt Garrod, or Stephen Carney

Project of the Benjamin Foundation.  Collects donated furniture including from social services and local community.  Most reusable items in good condition accepted, including soft furnishings, white goods, smaller electrical goods in working order, wardrobes, cupboards.  Passes on items free, as quickly as possible (short of storage space) to hostel and resettlement clients.  Collection free.  Networks with First Move (see listing above).  (Updated May 2004)

Notting Hill Furniture Store (part of Notting Hill Housing Group) 
Tel 0208 7433 121  
Email furniturestore@nhhg.org.uk  Website www.nottinghillonline.com/pid21_The_Furniture_Store.htm, www.nottinghillonline.com/pid76_Furniture_Store.htm 
The Underground Garage, Swunbrooke Estate, Acklam Road, LONDON W10 5YU  
(Notting Hill Housing Group:  Tel 020 8357 5000  Fax 020 8357 5299  Grove House, 27 Hammersmith Grove, LONDON W6 0JL - see Green building section 430)
Contact  Gari Sullivan  

Collects and delivers second-hand donated furniture to approx 1,000 families and individuals a year in West London.  'Hundreds of people visit the Housing Group with no means' - providing 'a bed, table, chairs, bedding or cutlery' reduces risk of debt.  Delivers to Trust members and people referred by local partners, social workers, housing officers and others in contact with vulnerable people.  Based in Shepherds Bush, people can make 6 visits to choose up to 10 items, free; and delivery is made within a week for a small charge.  'Donating good-quality, second-hand furniture reduces waste, recycles, avoids council fees (eg collection), and lowers amounts sent to landfill'.  Any organisation can join the scheme, for a nominal fee per referral which subsidises operational costs.  Plans new developments and greater range of services, including furniture restoration and NVQ training for volunteers.  Run as a community resource by a store manager, 3 paid drivers/warehouse and admin assistants, and a team of about 10 volunteers who have usually been helped by the store, or are from the local community, or have learning disabilities and need productive activity.  Notting Hill Housing Group (see Green building and decorating, section 430) also set up the London Housing Greenspace Network (LHGN) (also section 430), and funds: rebuild and renovation projects (see 430); smaller community projects; and community development workers working 'on the ground' with community members, in inner city estates or new urban social housing developments, helping them take responsibility for environment, facilities and community.  It helps 'people to choose, especially those with no choice now'.   (Updated Feb 2004)

Oxfam 
Tel General enquiries 0870 333 2700  Reception 01865 311311  Fax 01865 321410 / 313770  Email oxfam@oxfam.org.uk, companies@oxfam.org.uk  
Website www.oxfam.org.uk, www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet  
Oxfam House, 274 Banbury Road, OXFORD, Oxon OX2 7DZ 

Specialist furniture shops and departments accept good quality donated furniture, for resale at affordable prices.  Free collection: call the shop and staff will ask a few questions to check items are saleable before arranging to collect.  Free furniture deliveries also, in most cases - a small charge may be requested for some longer distances to cover costs, or for larger pieces not covered under staff insurance. 

Books, aluminium cans, stamps, coins and all household items welcomed at all shops.  1000 collection banks around the country for books, 600 for textiles.  Some shops other than furniture may have a collection service - phone your local shop to find out. 

Shops specialising in furniture: 

Shops with a furniture department: