140  Scrapstores

Substantial quantities of clean commercial waste, at present consigned to landfill, can be given a second useful life. 

Until recently, few distribution arrangements existed.  This is changing with the development of a network of community scrapstores able to collect, store and distribute many kinds of reusable materials.  Some also collect recyclable waste or unwanted goods with residual value.  For many businesses, this can provide free disposal of a proportion of waste, at the same time offering benefits to the community, and so being a more responsible option than disposal to landfill or incineration, together with opportunities for good publicity.

Scrapstores collect from commerce and industry, sort and provide craft materials for those organising creative activities.  Playgroups, schools, other educational bodies; care homes; theatre groups; craft centres; individual artists - all have the capacity to use an enormous variety of packaging or production oddments such as wood, plastic and fabric offcuts; paper, film and card.

"Scrapstores are making a huge contribution to counter the environmental and 
educational dilemmas we're facing in the UK today"
Jonathon Porritt, Environmentalist

Scrapstores are now also regularly exchanging large amounts of materials between themselves, to meet local needs and put to use any excess materials.  This is a result of the network growing and becoming stronger.

Most schemes are operated by volunteers, sometimes with help from local councils, businesses or community trusts.  A common arrangement is for part funding by annual subscriptions from associated organisations and individuals, providing controlled access to stock materials at no further charge.  Many now have small shops selling art and craft materials, and often run workshops on creative use of scrap materials.  Some are growing rapidly, and having a wide influence on culture and attitudes in their region.

Over 90 different schemes now operate in Britain, with scope for many more - ideally one in every district or major town.  Apart from a listing for the south-east of England, the area THE WASTEBOOK covers, we include several elsewhere which act as regional centres, or demonstrate good practice or innovation.  That said, most are run by innovative and community-minded people - sadly, we cannot provide a national directory of all these worthwhile schemes on this site, but a list is available from www.home-education.org.uk/scrap.htm, from www.scrapstore.org.uk or from Bristol (see next paragraph).  These sources do not list information about each scrapstore and their activities as we do below!

Interesting scrapstore websites are - 

BRISTOL
www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk/links/links.htm   Bristol (see entry below) has a national database of scrapstores, and also operates a successful email newsgroup "scrapstore-news", open only to scrapstores, to which over 70 are signed up, at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrapstore-news/

SOUTH DEVON
www.sparc.fsnet.co.uk/nationalscrapstores.htm  (run by South Devon Play Resource Centre)

Also see
Charity and community schemes (130)


Alphabetical list of organisations (by County)

BATH & AVON - BRISTOL
The Children’s Scrapstore
Queen Quay, Welsh Black, BRISTOL BS1 4SL
Tel 0117 925 2229  Fax 0117 929 1991
Email enquiries@childrensscrapstore.co.uk  Website www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk
Contact  Charlie Mason, Waste Resource Officer 

Charity established 1982, mainly for use by groups in the old Avon county area, in art, craft, play, educational or therapeutic settings with children, eg parent and toddler groups, holiday play schemes, childminders, youth theatre groups, brownies, community arts groups, schools, colleges, supply teachers.  Various membership rates.  Prefers delivery, but can collect interesting, safe, clean, colourful, versatile scrap materials from local business and industry as a resource for children's art and play activities.  Can take 20 or 30 pallets of suitable scrap at a time, with space for approximately 120.  Size and turnover of materials varies enormously - eg handheld electronic games and children’s books.  Materials - both available and wanted - listed on website, from coloured foil, paint, netting and tubing to CD roms, old records and corks.  Open Mon, Tue 10-5, Wed 10-8.  Warehouse designed as a scrap supermarket, with colourful aisles, shelves and barrels full of fabric, plastic, card and wood offcuts.  Members can fill a trolley with scrap for £9, and get 20% discount from the 'Artrageous' art & craft shop in same building - all profits go to scrapstore, which supports children's projects all year round.  Groups cannot sell on scrap unless they create new items from it (eg stuffed toys or cushions from scrap fabric; coffee tables from donated wood and tiles; puppets from corks, string, felt) to fundraise for their project/organisation.  Acts as a feeder for smaller scrapstores locally, who may collect excess free.  Customers can request scrap, which the store will try to hunt down, perhaps by swapping with other scrapstores.  Operates successful email newsgroup "scrapstore-news" for scrapstores only, allowing information exchange on all issues affecting scrapstores and resource centres.  Currently 71 members.  Homepage http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrapstore-news  (Updated Apr 2003)

BEDFORDSHIRE - LEIGHTON BUZZARD
Leighton Buzzard Scrapstore
Tel 01525 375437  
24 Acacia Close, Cherry Court Way, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Beds LU7 8QE

Charity open Wed 1200 to 1700, Thu and Sat 1100 to 1300.  Membership: groups (playgroups, schools, brownies, scouts, youth clubs, drama groups etc) £10.00;  individuals £5.00.  Present membership about 250.  Recycle foil.  Run workshops on creative reuse of materials.  Bulk buy - sell paint, recycled paper, feathers, glue etc.  Unit funded by South Beds DC.  (Updated Nov 2002)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - AYLESBURY
Aylesbury Recycling and Re-use Centre (ARRC)
Tel 01296 425820 
Hampden Hall, Wendover Road, Stoke Mandeville, AYLESBURY, Bucks HP22 5SZ
Contact Nanette Mellor

Recycling and re-use facility opened in 2001 to complement existing reuse and recycling in the vale and provide work opportunities for adults with special needs.  Scrapstore operational from Sep 2003, open Mon and Wed 10am-3pm.  Supplies non-toxic reusable waste from local companies such as paper, card, plastic, fabrics, wood, string, small non-ferrous metal sheet, and other odds and ends, for art and craft use by local playgroups, schools, colleges and artists, for a donation.  Also recycles foil and cans; and refurbishes gardening and woodworking tools for use in poor nations.   Staff and volunteers collect waste materials from local firms, RAF Halton, voluntary groups, schools, foil banks, and bins at four community recycling sites, then bring them to the centre for sorting and processing.  Foil and cans are crushed and sold to help fund the project.  Tools are collected by local voluntary groups or donated by individuals, cleaned, repaired and made up into kits to send abroad.  Scrap is sorted for members to collect.  ARRC is a Bucks County Council Project with financial support from Shanks First, supported by SAVE (Support Aylesbury Vale Environment) and AVDC.   (Updated Nov 2003)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - HIGH WYCOMBE
The Scrapstore
Tel 01494 421922  Fax 01494 421808
Wycombe District Council, Queen Victoria Road, HIGH WYCOMBE, Bucks  HP11 1BB (postal address only, scrapstore site located nearby.)

Collection of clean commercial/industrial wastes and scrap material suitable for any community group, including children's play and craft, in Wycombe District and surrounding area.  Council service available to any community group.  Open 10.00-12.00 first and third Saturdays of each month (except third Sat in Dec and first in Jan); or phone to arrange for any other times to collect key, in which case two people must attend.  If visiting for the first time, please phone for time and directions.  Annual  fee £6.  (Updated Nov 2002)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - MILTON KEYNES
Milton Keynes Play Association
Tel 01908 263033 Fax 01908 261588
Email resource@mkpa.co.uk 
2 Burners Lane, Kiln Farm, MILTON KEYNES, Bucks MK11 3HB
Contact  Nick Deighton

Charitable association of over 1000 member groups using the scrapstore, including schools, playgroups, nurseries, after-school clubs, registered child minders, adult education, scouts, and church groups.  In contact with about 100 businesses.  Able to make use of large quantities of industrial and commercial waste materials suitable for playgroups and school craft work.  Eight paid staff plus volunteers.  Items wanted include production off-cuts and surpluses, old and rejected stock, shop clearances, old promotional material, clean paper and card, fabrics, foam, plastics and containers - anything that's too good to throw away.  Also small retail outlet for members, selling craft and educational materials, toys, sports equipment, stationery etc to encourage learning through play.  (Updated Nov 2002)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE - CAMBRIDGE
Children's Team Scrapstore  
Tel 01223 457871   Email miranda.bailey@cambridge.gov.uk    
Cambridge City Council, Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs  CB2 1BY
Contact  Miranda Bailey, Manager

Mobile service currently operating one event a month, going out to community centres and schools.  Items on offer include paper, card, textiles (including fake fur and fluffy materials) and plastics, among a range of typical scrapstore materials.  £1 per full carrier bag of items.  Materials are collected from donating local industry, businesses and organisations.  Free inclusion on mailing list and printouts of listed events available to anyone interested.  Events are advertised by posters and flyers through relevant and participating venues.  Experienced in running workshops and hoping to operate more of these in the future.  (Updated Nov 2002)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE - PETERBOROUGH
Restore
Tel 01733 371760  
Email Website www.compasspeterboroughltd.com/RestoreMainpage.htm 
Unit 7, Maxwell Road, Woodston, PETERBOROUGH PE2 7HU

Anything clean and reusable taken for use by members, who include schools, playgroups, nurseries, scouts, guides, church groups, home educators.  Weekend workshops for members on how to make useful things from scrap materials.  Deals with about 50 local businesses.  Hope to buy die-cutting and badge-making machines, which could be hired out to schools, and to open family memberships.  One paid part-time staff member;  volunteers from all walks of life, including disabled people.  Funded by council, bids and donations.  Established about ten years.  Open Mon, Tue, Thu 1000-1600, Wed 1600-1830, Fri 0900-1200.  CompassIT (RestoreIT) next door, Tel 01733 237212 - see Computers, section 87.  Restore and CompassIT belong to Compass (Peterborough) partnership,  also including SOFA furniture reuse and recycling (see Furniture section 82); Community Shops for household necessities and clothing (see sections on Furniture 82, and Electrical and electronic scrap 44); 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)

EAST SUSSEX - ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA (HASTINGS)
SCRAPP (Sussex Community Recycle And Play Project)
Tel 01424 444569  
Bulverhythe Depot, Bulverhythe Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, HASTINGS, East Sussex TN38 8AF
Contact  Linda Thomas, Co-ordinator

Friendly scrapstore that knows most of its 150 members including schools and other educational bodies, playgroups, brownies, guides, cubs, scouts, youth and elderly clubs, junior churches, theatres and other arts groups, craft centres, residential care homes, special needs, embroidery clubs, drum groups, and other community groups.  Registration fee £10, membership fee varies by group size.  Most materials come from local businesses. Doesn't buy in scrap, but has good relations with other scrapstores, always looking for new, exciting supplies.  Organises creative and arts workshops on re-using materials.  Charity.  Open Tue 09.30-12.30, Wed 1200-1400, Thu 13.30-16.30.  (Updated Apr 2003)

EAST SUSSEX - LEWES
Flotsam and Jetsam
Tel 01273 486619  Fax 01273 480827 
Email julia.black@lewes.gov.uk   Website www.lewes.gov.uk  
Community Recycling Centre, 20 North Street, LEWES, East Sussex BN7 2PE
Contact Julia Black or Paul Vincent

Community scrapstore and recycling centre, stocking wide range of materials such as cardboard, foam, fabric, tubing. Members include nurseries, playgroups, schools, and a wider type of membership is being sought.  Yearly subscription, amount depends on group. As many free visits as members like.  Resource Centre in same building, including environmental library, and meeting place for hire.  Helped devise Brighton Resource Centre's website/database. Open 9-5 Mon Thu, closes 4.30 Fri.  (Updated Apr 2003)

ESSEX - CLACTON-ON-SEA
Bits and Bobs
Tel / Fax 01255 863007
Email  BitsAndBobs@Tree 
Oakwood Unit 2,  Plough Corner, Harwich Road, Little Clacton, CLACTON-ON-SEA, Essex CO16 9ND
Contact: Mark Penn, Belinda Pridmore

Not for profit scrapstore - a social enterprise collecting a wide range of items from local businesses and residents, which would otherwise be thrown away.  Run by volunteers who give out materials to local schools, playgroups and others as art and craft materials.  Open Mon, Tue 10 - 2.30, Thu 12.30 - 2.30, Fri 1 -5.  (Updated Oct 2005)

ESSEX - COLCHESTER
Bright Ideas Scrap Scheme
Tel  01206 798113  Mob 07721 958019
Website  http://groups.msn.com/BrightIdeasDontthrowitaway/home.htm 
Email  kathy_a_gilmour@hotmail.com 
The Old Buoy Store, Hythe Quay, COLCHESTER, Essex C02 8JF
Contact  Kathy Gilmour

"Make Waste Materials Play Materials!"  Collects surplus re-usable materials from businesses free, which is passed on to various groups.  Materials collected include all types of paper and card, tubes, straws, spools, inks, paints, fabric & leather off-cuts, wool, string, containers, sacks, tubs, barrels, wood, MDF and plastic off-cuts.  Computer equipment also gratefully accepted.  Current stock listed on website.  Materials are distributed free to groups such as schools, playgroups, youth groups, nurseries, community groups, special needs groups, child-minders, home educators and individuals needing materials that can be used in art and craft activities.  Produces booklets with ideas for making things using materials from the store or  household.  Annual subscription depends on size of the group.  Volunteers required to collect materials and work in warehouse.  Open Mon, Tue, Fri 10 - 2.30, Sat 10 - 1pm (please arrive at least 1/2 hour before closing).  Operates Re>Paint scheme for decorating groups' premises: paint available to collect Thu and Fri 1030 - 12:30, and Sat by appointment only, http://www.repaintessex.org.uk  (Updated Oct 2005)

ESSEX - GRAYS
Pyramid Resource Centre Scrap Project
Tel  01375 387738
Email  averleyscrapstore@members.v21.co.uk 
Thurrock Play Network, Civic Offices, New Road, Chadwell, GRAYS, Essex RM17 6SL

Collects scrap materials from business and households and reuses it for children's education and play activities.  Anyone can join for a small fee and use materials from the scrap shop, or bring clean, non-toxic materials.  (Updated Oct 2005)

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 
Gloucestershire Resource Centre
Tel 01452 504442
City Works, Alfred Street, GLOUCESTER, Glos GL1 4DF
Website www.grcltd.org  Email info@grcltd.org     
Contact  Lin Mathews, Director

Co-ordinating group for national network of schemes.  The scrapstore is one of many different community schemes, including workshops and shop with arts materials for sale or hire, housed at City Works.  From card to cones, paper to plastic, foam to fabrics - an extraordinary range of materials for everyone.   Collects over 180 tonnes of business waste every year to pass on to groups to re-use.  A bit like a supermarket, but feeding the imagination, and you can fill a trolley for £7.  Encourages children to be inventive and creative.  Benefit from cheap materials and do something positive for the environment.  Open Tue 10-7, Wed, Thu 10-5.  (Updated Nov 2005)  

HANTS - PORTSMOUTH
The Beneficial Foundation Materials Bank & Craft Unit (MBCU)
Tel / Fax 02392 830056  Fax 02392 610180 
Email barbara@beneficial.org.uk  Website www.beneficial.org.uk/materials.html , www.beneficial.org.uk 
16 Anson Road, Fratton Industrial Estate, PORTSMOUTH, Hants P04 8TB
Contact  Brian Byng, Project Manager or Barbara Box, Membership & Admin Manager  

Probably the biggest scrapstore operation in the UK, with regular deliveries from HGVs!  Two vans on the road every day collecting from businesses.  30 regular suppliers, some daily.  Independent charity with no outside funding sources.  Any non- toxic reusable materials taken for redistribution and reuse.   Serves the whole community with an extensive range of materials - 1500 member groups include schools, childminders, arts groups, hospitals, old peoples homes, prisons, nurseries, playgroups, parent toddler groups, embroidery groups and community groups of all types.  Sources and collects around 30 tonnes of non-toxic surplus material weekly.  This is collated, sorted, and prepared in a 'superstore environment' where members browse, select and take all they need.  Beneficial is a charity with 4 units at different sites around Portsmouth, operating training and horticultural schemes and serving the community on a wider basis.   Administration headquarters and registered offices: The Beneficial Foundation, 2 Kent Street, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3BS, Tel 02392 733822, Fax 02392 786688.  See also Portsmouth:  Beneficial Green-Works, section 140 Furniture and household goods.  (Updated Mar 2004)

HANTS - SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton Scrapstore 
Tel 02380 402812  
Website link from www.scrapstore.org.uk  Email southampton.scrapstore@virgin.net  
East Point Centre, Burgoyne Road, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants S019 6PB 
Contact  John Marsh

Collects wide range of materials from about 50 local suppliers.  Open for collection by members Mon, Tue and Thu 10am - 3pm, Wed 4 - 8pm - all times are school term only).  Members are mostly those who work with children - schools, youth clubs, toddlers, playgroups, scouts, guides, and educational needs.  Small shop for art and craft materials.  Runs occasional workshops on creating art from scrap.  Can hire badge machine, woodworking and clay kits.  Part funded by council and landfill tax.  Volunteers welcome.  (Updated Sep 2005)

HANTS - SOUTHAMPTON
Waterside Scrapstore
Tel: 02380 814314 / 07773 248138 (office hours)
Website  http://uk.geocities.com/watersidescrapstore
12-14 Rumbridge Street, Totton, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants SO40 9DP
Contact  Sue Little

Collects and supplies materials such as paper, card, cardboard tubes, mounting board, wood, foam, fabrics, wool, ribbon, lace, plastic pots and buckets, cotton reels, tubing, jars.  Those who can join include parents, child-minders, parent and toddler groups, students (£5);  pre-schools, out of school clubs, community play schemes, portage, special needs groups, brownies, scouts (£20);  nurseries, schools, art & crafts groups (£40).  Members can fill a blue sack for £2.50 or carrier bag for £1.  Volunteers welcome - help needed with collecting from companies, tidying scrapstore, spreading the word and passing on leaflets, making craft examples.   The first scrapstore in the New Forest - volunteers welcome!  Open Mon (1st and 3rd) 430-530; Tue 1-230, 7-830;  Thu 10-12; Fri 10-1130; last Sat of month 1-230.   (Updated Nov 2005)

HERTS - WATFORD
Watford Recycling Arts Project (WRAP)
Tel 01923 231395  Fax 01923 248159
Email  richardah@ukgateway.net
Wiggenhall Depot, Wiggenhall Road, WATFORD, Herts WD18 0FB
Contact  Richard Ahrens

Charity collecting scrap materials from local industries for creative use by families, schools, playgroups, youth clubs, artists, craftspeople, and many other community groups.  Runs art and craft workshops.  Financially supported by Watford Council and staffed by volunteers.  Materials include fabric, plastic, perspex, components, mouldings, rope, foam, tubing, paper, board and newsprint, ribbon, aluminium, paint, cane, wool and many others.  Some businesses may make savings in waste disposal costs by donating.  Collects scrap, any time - phone to make arrangements.  Open Tue and Thu 14.00-16.30, Wed and Sat 10.00-12.30 for anyone to view and choose items.   Annual subscription depending on size of group, from £10 for individuals to £75 for schools.  (Updated May 2002)

HERTS - WELWYN GARDEN CITY
Wot-Ever
Tel  01707 371719 / 273294 / 273296
Email  h.vankempen@welhat.gov.uk 
Unit 6, Bridgegate Centre, Martinfield, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, Herts AL7 1JG
Contact: Olwyn Buchta , Jacky Taverner

Collects clean, safe waste products from local industries and businesses, usable as scientific or art and craft materials in schools.  Materials include: paper, card, corrugated plastic, foams, fabrics and many more.   For small annual fee, anyone may become a member of the scrapstore, then visit as often as they like, to take what they need free from an array of diverse materials for craft and art projects.  Project run by Connect Club Charity, supported by Welwyn Hatfield Council.   Contact for further information, opening times and costs.   (Updated Oct 2005)

KENT - AYLESFORD
Kent County Council War on Waste Scrapstore
Tel  01622 605950 / 605977   Mobile  07740 185338   Email  alan.heaver@kent.gov.uk
Waste Management Group, Beddow Way, Aylesford, MAIDSTONE,  Kent  ME20 7BT
Contact  Alan Heaver, Manager 

Thought to be the only scrapstore in Kent.  Has about 900 members ranging from pre- school requirements to all other areas of education, arts, crafts, theatre, design, and light engineering.  Useful items and materials collected from all areas of Kent and South London on a daily basis.  Also works closely with charities diverting much needed items from landfill to overseas aid.  A search facility operates for special items that if not in stock might be located.  Open Tue 1000-1600,  Wed 1000-1800,  and all other times by prior appointment.  £20 membership lasts until 2005.  Scrap £5 per trolley.  (Updated Nov 02)

LEICESTER
Planet Works Resource Centre
Tel  0116 2333147
Email  waste.management@leicester.gov.uk
Slater Street, LEICESTER  LE3 5AS
Contact  Brett Cowles, Supervisor

Established over 20 years. Collects materials on Fridays from businesses, organisations and especially local manufacturers. Holds wide variety of materials including everything from the more unusual bouncy castle materials and toys to wood, plastics, paper, card, fabrics, rolls, tubes and much more.  Open Mon-Thu 1200-1600 for collection by non-profit-making members - over 400 including community, wildlife, environment, all educational establishments such as schools, playgroups, creches, kindergartens, special needs groups, child minding businesses and organisations, scouts and guides.  Membership is a single annual fee, covering all collections of  materials for the entire year with no other charges.  Actively welcomes and encourages new members.  (Updated Nov 2002)

LONDON - BRENT
Kids Scrap Bank
Tel  0208 965 5718   Fax 0208 965 5718 / 838 0964
Gwenneth Rickus Site, Brentfield Road, Brent, LONDON NW10 8HE
Email kidsscrapbank@fsmail.com or kidsscrapbank@btinternet.com 

Receives redundant materials from local businesses for re-use by schools and playgroups.  Membership for local schools, nurseries, scouts, associations and other fundraising groups within north and west London. Open  Tue 1030 - 1500,  Wed 1400 - 1930,  Thu 1030 - 1500.  (Updated Nov 2002)

LONDON - HACKNEY
Children's Scrap Project
Tel 0208 985 6290  Fax 0208 533 6617  Email childrensscrap@btconnect.com
137 Homerton High Street, Hackney, LONDON E9 6AS

The first scrap project to open in London, running for 26 years.  Educational charity collecting paper, card, cloth, carpets, furniture and office furniture, books, plastics, etc and redistributes including to schools, universities, nurseries, playgroups, and the elderly.  Open Mon 10.00-18.45, Tue-Thu 12.00-16.45.  Closed Fri to Sun.  (Updated May 2003)

LONDON - WALTHAMSTOW
Forest Recycling Project
Tel 0208 539 3856
Email  info@frponline.org.uk  Website www.frponline.org.uk
2C Bakers Avenue, Walthamstow, LONDON E17 9AW
Contact: Mark Webster or Charlotte Walker

Not strictly a scrapstore, but a not-for-profit community business, collecting many items for recycling.  Initiates community recycling activities, Give or Take events.  Environmental auditing and promotion of good environmental practice in offices and service industries.  Office paper, confidential waste collection and recycling, and green office audits.  Free collection and redistribution of unwanted paint, under a Community Re>paint scheme.  Paint can be collected from from FRP premises Mon - Thu 10am to 4pm.  Computer recycling via ReUse-IT@FRP accepts unwanted computers, peripherals and spares from both individuals and companies.  Most are refurbished and re-introduced back into the local community - others are dismantled and recycled.  Collected free within Waltham Forest area.  Collection also of redundant computers, toner cartridges,  cans, foil and plastic cups.  Sale of recycled goods such as papers, office stationery and fair trade tea and coffee - also order online.  Organises 'give and take days' offering free exchange of furniture and household goods.  6 staff, 20 volunteers.  (Updated Apr 2006)

LONDON - WANDSWORTH
Wandsworth Work and Play
Tel 0208 682 4216  Fax 0208 682 4216  
Website www.connectedup.com/scrapstore/index.htm  Email workandplay@msn.com 
The Professional Centre, Franciscan Road, Tooting Broadway, LONDON SW17 8HE
Contact  Alan Kelly

Voluntary charity organisation collecting materials from local businesses (not domestic waste).  Mainly fabrics, plastics, paper and card - must be clean and reusable, for distribution as environment-friendly art and craft materials.  Substantial savings on a wide range of unusual and useful materials for art, creativity, education and play, for those who join - schools, nurseries, community groups, adult students.  Two visits can cover the cost of membership.  Open to any group with non-profit, charity or educational objectives - varying rates.  Active and popular workshop programme on creative reuse, linked to curriculum, cultural and craft topics.  Open Tue 1130-530, Thu 1030-130 and 230-530.  (Updated Sep 2005)

MANCHESTER - Greater Manchester Play Resource Unit (Grumpy)
Tel 0161 223 9730  Fax 0161 220 9664   
Website www.grumpy.org.uk   Email resources@grumpy.org.uk 
Grumpy House, Vaughan Street, West Gorton, MANCHESTER M12 5DU
Contact  Frank Royle  

MIDDLESBROUGH - Teesside Percy (Play & Education Resource Centre)
Tel 01642 230100  Fax 01642 230041  Email percyteesside@btconnect.com  
8 Whorlton Road, Riverside Park Road, MIDDLESBROUGH, Cleveland TS2 1QJ
Contact Pauline Jones, Resource Co-ordinator, or Maria Harrison, Manager

Children's charity (also working with people in education up to 19) with 2300 member groups, serving whole Tees valley, "like Blue Peter on an industrial scale", delivering low cost resources in an area of multiple deprivation, and campaigning on health issues. (Schoolchildren make models of snapping crocodiles with bright white teeth to emphasise dental awareness.)  Runs workshops for children and adults, giving training on re-use of materials, and switching people on to recycling.  Non-hazardous waste is revitalised: stencils from plastic wallets; cardboard cones to puppets; foam off-cuts to dinosaur skin.  Includes Community Re>Paint scheme, providing surplus paint from DIY retailers free for community.  Worked with over 10,000 children in 2002, in association with Middlesbrough Children's Fund and Sure Start. Won Tees Valley Business Award Environmental section - only scrapstore ever to have won this. Held National Scrap Swap day on 5 Sep 2003.   (Updated Sep 2003)

MIDDLESEX - STAINES
Spelthorne Resource Centre   
Tel 01784 461769  Email leisure@spelthorne.gov.uk  
Staines Park, Commercial Road, STAINES, Middx TW18 2QJ
Contact Susannah Colgate, Manager, or Gaye Smith

Building within Staines Park, centre open 10-12 Mon -Tue, 4-6 Thu, 2-4 Fri, 10-1 Sat.  Education or profit-making groups £36, non-profit £20 (eg nurseries, playgroups) families £8 (includes childminders and those who teach them, teenagers doing projects at colleges).    Runs a toy library for children with special needs and a shop for cheap art & craft materials.  Rents out free 'parachutes' for children's assault course games, beanbags.  No collection, but has arrangement with Portsmouth scrapstore (see MBCU under Hants) who provide some of the materials, as well as receiving donations from local companies and schools and from WWF.  Compiling a list (maybe a database) of things to make.  Runs Saturday morning workshops on how to paint and use materials creatively, ages 3-7, or 8-11.  Making themselves known to a wider area to meet need. (Updated 5 Dec 2002)

NORFOLK
Mini-Scrapbox
Tel 01603 873128
Units 5-6, Collers Way, Wood Dalling Road, REEPHAM, Norfolk  NR10 4SW
Email  jim@scrapbox.freeserve.co.uk  
Web www.geocities.com/mini_scrapbox/
Contact  Jim Elliott

Charity collecting scrap from businesses and organisations, which is then picked up from Mini-Scrapbox especially by voluntary groups, schools, playgroups, scouts, and community artists who benefit especially from the specialist materials.  Incorporated with Community Re>Paint Norfolk (established Apr 2002)  in association with B&Q Norwich acting as drop-off point. This covers the whole county from the same address (see section on Charity and Community Schemes).  Materials include anything and everything which is safe especially for technology, arts, drama and crafts.  Specialisms include acetates (for making for example stained glass windows); book binding materials like leatherette; and zips.  More common materials include wallpaper, remnants, fabrics, elastics, tubes, card, paper, plastics, and containers.  Active in swapping or exchanging excess materials, and networking with other charities, community and voluntary groups, related bodies, organisations and local authorities.  Open Wed 1500-1900, Sat 1000-1400, or by appointment, for members to choose and buy or for materials to be dropped off.  Annual membership £7.50.  Established 1995.   Re-use Us, the scrapstore at Swaffham (Tel 01760 722717), is linked and an offshoot.  (Updated Apr 2003)

NORTHANTS - CORBY
Northampton Childrens Resource Centre (NCRC)
Tel 01536 401311  Fax 01563 267368
Email jenny@ncrc.org.uk  Web www.ncrc.org.uk 
Samuel Lloyd Building, Rockingham Road, CORBY, Northants  NN17 1AG
Contact  Jenny Smith, Project Supervisor

Registered charity and limited company.  Collects free from around 50 industry, businesses and organisations within Northants and surrounding areas.  Strapline 'Turning Waste Things Into Playthings'.  Runs programme of wide ranging workshops.  Wishes to expand links by extending this operation to businesses, encouraging good environmental practices and demonstrating the versatility of businesses' waste products.  Encourages waste management evaluation.  Will take all types of good quality reusable materials, by-products, factory over-production, seconds, remnants.  Materials collected and available include 'card, paper, boxes, tapes, fabric, plastics, tubing, sacking, bubble wrap, cones, bobbins, flags, foil, buttons, tapes, sponges, bindings and much more'.  Their Stock Shop also cheaply offers a wide range including quality paints, glue, felts, brushes, scissors, etc, most under £3.  These are used to provide children, and children and adults with special needs, with the chance to expand their educational and creative experiences.  275 member groups, with potential to reach 45,750 people in community and voluntary groups, schools, nurseries, playgroups and many others.  Operates a system of swapping surplus materials between organisations and operations around the country.  Networks with other organisations, for example Furniture Turnaround in Corby (see sections 82 and 350).  Currently the only scrapstore in Northants, but involved in trying to obtain funding for a pilot branch in Northampton.  Open to members to collect Wed 0930-1615, Thu 0930-1715, Fri 0930-1615, virtually all year round.  Annual membership  according to member's  financial situation or size of school, minimum fee (eg voluntary groups) £33.50 per annum - a one-off payment giving access to free materials for the year.  Comprehensive free information leaflets.  (Updated Nov 2002)

SCUNTHORPE Scrapstore
Tel 01724 289762   Email enquiries@scunthorpescrapstore.org.uk
Website www.scunthorpescrapstore.org.uk 
North Lincs Envirocraft Centre, 17A Parkinson Ave, SCUNTHORPE, North Lincs DN15 7JY
Contact Ken Harrison

Open Tue 12-2, Sat 10-12, Fri 1.30-4.30.   About 170 members, from schools, scouts, brownies to families, individuals and small groups of childminders - varying fees.  Growing fast, with about 18 regular donor businesses, and many links, swapping materials regularly with other scrapstores through YES (Yorkshire Exchange Scheme).  Recent grant from N Lincs Council.  Hopes to move to bigger premises soon to improve access and opening times.  Partners with Seagull scrapstore, Skegness (which offers training for jobseekers - contact Julie Crowson, Tel 01754 765746) operating South Park project, Scunthorpe, providing alternative curriculum for disaffected pupils, including computer and furniture recycling, and motor maintenance.  Hosted a National Scrap-swap Conference in 2002 attended by over 20 scrapstores - an excellent way of networking.  The National Scrap-swap Conference for 2003 is in September at Middlesbrough - see above.  (Updated Apr 2003)

SUFFOLK SCRAPSTORE
Tel  01473 601779   Fax 01473 601779 
Email  suffolkscrapstore@btconnect.com
9 Scrivener Drive, IPSWICH, Suffolk IP2 0SD

(Updated Oct 2005)

SURREY - MORDEN (MERTON)
The Squirrels (CSS) 
Tel 0208 640 9510  Fax 0208 640 9510
Email  commuscrapscheme@aol.com
Canterbury Centre, Canterbury Road, MORDEN, Surrey  SM4 6PT
Contact  Ian Shummoogum

Collects free and delivers (for a small charge) card, fabrics, tiles, ribbons, paper, cardboard boxes, plastics, leather, timber and all available materials.  Operates educational services:  workshops, factsheets and information on how to make things using different materials;  and a library.  Open for deliveries  Mon-Tue and Thu-Fri 0930-1700, Wed 0930-1830;  collections Wed 1300-1830 and Thu 1030-1730 only.  Was previously called Community Scrap Scheme.  (Updated Nov 2002)

WALES - CARDIFF
Re-Create / Ail-Greu  (Cardiff Play Resource Centre)
Tel 01222 578100 Fax 01222 578110
Email chris@re-create.co.uk or mark@re-create.co.uk  Website http://www.re-create.co.uk/
Ely Bridge Industrial Estate, Wroughton Place, CARDIFF CF5 4AB

Non-profit organisation with over 1000 members, supplying about half the schools in S Wales and over half the under fives groups.  Members (various rates) include families, students, schools, leisure and community centres, churches, playgrounds, play groups, crèches, arts and environmental groups, community education teams, hospitals, adventure playgrounds, scouts and guides, playgroups, special needs and other community groups.  Over 100,000 children are among the beneficiaries.  Collects clean, non-toxic materials safe to re-use from over 50 firms at their convenience.  Website lists very wide range of surplus materials from local firms, cut price art and craft materials, play equipment for hire, and various information services including advice to organisations on set up, development and legislation.  Members pay from 1/10 to 1/5 of the normal price for materials (most under £5), saving the community several hundred thousand pounds a year.  Open Tue, Wed, Thu 1000 to 1700,  Fri, Sat 1100 to 1600.  Mail order service. (Updated Apr 2003)

WEST SUSSEX - LANCING
Alchemist Scrapstore
Tel  01903 851969  
Email scrap@the-alchemist.co.uk  Website www.the-alchemist.org.uk   
Adur District Council Depot, Commerce Way, LANCING, West Sussex BN15 8TA
Contact  Paul Elleston, Co-ordinator/Manager

Variable annual subscription according to size and type of group.  Members can take materials free, one visit a day during the 3 days a week Alchemist is open, 50 weeks a year.  Materials are set out clearly and well-presented.  They include wood, buttons, paper, mirror card, card, fabric off-cuts, plastics, adhesives and paint, among a wide assortment of interesting and unusual remnants from industry.  Materials (safe, clean) collected from donors (mainly businesses across the region) at mutual convenience. No furniture or electrical goods.  Available for talks and presentations to schools on the value of re-use.  400 groups benefiting 60,000 individuals.  Members include pre-schools, schools, colleges, universities, day centres, scouts, guides, art groups, childminders, churches, hospitals, asylum groups, Royal Society for the Blind, and other groups representing a diverse cross section of society.  Open Tues 12-5pm, Wed 10-2pm, Thu 1200-645pm (last admission 6pm).  No children under 11 due to insurance.  (Updated Mar 2004)

WILTS - SWINDON
Swindon Childrens Scrapstore
Tel 01793 513982  Fax 01793 574703  Email  swindonscrapstore@fastmail.fm
Pinehurst Peoples Centre, Beech Ave, SWINDON, Wilts  SN2 1JT
Contact  Olivia McCann

Assists over 250 community organisations involved in play, education and recreation, providing free materials donated as redundant but useful waste items by commerce and industry, which would otherwise go to landfill.  In partnership with Swindon QEST to support people with serious and enduring mental health problems as volunteers and paid members of staff, in the transition to open employment.  Offers members an arts for crafts shop which runs on a non-profit basis, and a repaint scheme for members and non-members at the cost of £1 per year.  (Updated Nov 2002)