Post on 11-Apr-2019
Bulky Waste Guidance: Collection Options
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Bulky Waste Collection Options This section outlines a number of different scenarios for improving reuse and recycling of bulky waste,
either via household collections or at Household Waste & Recycling Centres (HWRCs). In many cases,
the availability of scenarios will depend on working either directly or indirectly with existing reuse
specialists such as local furniture reuse organisations (FROs). Some of the scenarios put forward in
this section may require investment in the development of new infrastructure, such as refurbishment
workshops and reuse sales sheds at HWRCs.
When planning any waste management service, there is an opportunity to consider:
the fit with the wider strategic objectives of the local authority, including any wider environmental,
social and economic objectives (See Rationale section on the main webpage);
to the opportunity increase resource efficiency, by moving up the waste management hierarchy
(See Rationale section on the main webpage);
providing an easy-to-use and reliable service for residents;
achieving value for money – the service needs to be efficient and effective;
complying with legislation (See Legislation section on main webpage);
the availability of alternative services in the commercial or voluntary sector;
markets for the items, including working with other teams within the local authority such as social
services and housing; and
developing and using excellent communications (See Communications section on the main
webpage).
Key Considerations The level and type of service available to householders can influence their willingness to use a reuse
service and a good service can change attitudes about disposal and encourage reuse. Defra
commissioned research suggested that householders dislike1;
having to wait a long time for a collection, often people „want rid of things‟ as soon as they have a
replacement item (this also can impact on the quality of the item if it is left outside prior to
collection);
being charged for the service – free collections seem to be an incentive to use the service;
having to contact different organisations to collect different items;
receiving mixed messages about what is and is not acceptable for reuse by different organisations;
and
receiving “knockbacks” when items they offer for donation are not accepted.
When selecting the most appropriate service options there are a number of points to consider:
planning a service to maximise reuse over recycling and disposal;
1 Public Understanding of Product Lifetimes and Durability (2): Reuse of Bulky Items (2011)
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can other potential benefits, such as social and economic, be maximised? Working with third sector
organisations often has benefits to the local community;
can other local authority departments be involved in the design of the service and selection of
partners? Are there joint funding opportunities that could help to deliver more socially beneficial
options?
should the collection service be charged or delivered free of charge?
level of service expected by householders;
what format communications are going to take and what messages require communicating. If the
service is complicated it will be more challenging to explain to customers. For more information see
the section on Communications;
the risk of customer dissatisfaction e.g. if items are not collected; and
the service needs to complement other options for encouraging reuse of bulky items - such as the
HWRC, or online options such as Freecycle or eBay.
Collection scenarios
There are a number of collection scenarios, which can, over time, be considered as steps to building
the capacity to improve reuse and recycling rates. In some cases reuse specialists do not need to
collect the items; another contractor can do this and pass the items on to reuse specialists. Five core
scenarios are outlined below and are later used in the Costs section. They comprise:
1. All bulky items collected by reuse and recycling specialist. This option provides the
householder with one point of contact and all items are collected at one time
2. Reusable items collected by reuse specialist. From the householder perspective the service
needs to be convenient, the information provided at the call centre needs to be clear, so items
are not rejected at collection and information on who benefits is important.
3. Items collected separately by different specialists, e.g. WEEE for recycling; furniture and other
non-WEEE items for reuse; and non-reusable items or recyclable waste. From a householder
perspective, in the case of WEEE, Defra research has shown that confidence in the collector‟s
ability to handle WEEE in the “proper way” is important.
4. Reusable items collected via main bulky waste service and set aside for reuse specialist. This
is convenient from the householder‟s perspective but may result in the householder assuming
there is no value in the item and hence no need to preserve the quality, it is therefore
important to communicate that the service reuses items. Those providing the bulky waste
service would need training and appropriate vehicles to ensure that reusable items are not
damaged on collection.
5. Informal referral to FRO or other reuse specialist. This can appear as inconvenient if the
householder has to make another phone call to arrange a collection and in some cases having
made the “effort” to call the item is then considered unacceptable for reuse.
Each scenario has a different performance outcome based on estimated diversion towards reuse and
recycling. This estimated diversion is based on being able to collect the quantity and quality of items
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at all stages in the collection service. They are listed below in Figure 1 in order of best potential for
reuse, from left to right.
Figure 1 Collection scenarios
Not all scenarios will be immediately available to a local authority, and it may require a series of steps
to get from current practice to the ideal reuse scenario. The key to maximising reuse is to keep
potentially reusable items in the best possible condition from the householder‟s initial call through to
collection and by providing a service that householders want to use. It requires clear instructions and
communications from the call centre, good service provision and careful handling of items thereafter.
The following tables provide a view of what, in theory, could potentially be recovered for reuse
through different collection scenarios. It is based on survey observations undertaken by Resource
Futures in York and North Yorkshire. Carrying out an assessment of the local bulky waste collection
stream should provide more robust data.
The potential diversion of items can be categorised as follows:
A. Reusable in current condition;
B. Reusable after minor repair;
C. Reusable after major repair; or
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D. Not repairable but recyclable.
Table 1 below illustrates the potential for reuse and recycling for each of six bulky waste collection
scenarios. Each scenario is built on a set of assumptions.
Scenario 1 - fully geared to reuse the optimum amount of the whole bulky waste stream, with all
items reusable in current condition or with minor repairs, and all the remaining recyclable items
diverted for recycling.
Scenario 2 - potentially reusable items identified by the call centre are allocated to a separate
reuse collection. In this case only items identified as reusable in current condition.
Scenario 3 - the bulky waste is divided between three streams, with all WEEE being collected
separately for recycling, and the remaining items identified as reusable in current condition being
collected by reuse specialists, and the rest being collected for recycling/disposal.
Scenario 4 - potentially reusable items are taken from the main bulky waste collection. It assumes
that the collection crews identify potentially reusable items from the main bulky waste collection
and set them aside for reuse specialists. In this case it is assumed that items are not collected
from within properties, and that there would be some loss in potential reusability due to items
exposed to the elements, and possible cross contamination with waste items. (The model is based
on 50% of potential capture through this system).
Scenario 5 - call centre provides information on reuse alternatives to bulky waste collection, but
council has no formal links beyond initial reference. It is likely that reuse potential would be lost
through this scenario because it is a less convenient service. (The model is based on 40% of
potential capture through this system).
Table 1 Potential reuse and recycling from individual bulky waste collection streams
%
Hard furniture
%
Soft furniture
%
Other furnishings
%
General
%
Large WEEE
%
Other WEEE
Collection scenario 1 Reuse 49 30 27 55 73 76
Whole stream Recycle 10 8 1 24 22 10
Dispose 41 62 72 21 5 14
Collection scenario 2 Reuse 27 17 12 39 41 51
Reuse separate Recycle 33 11 2 24 13 5
Dispose 40 72 86 37 46 44
Collection scenario 3 Reuse 27 17 12 40
Separate streams Recycle 82 42
Dispose 73 83 88 60 18 58
Collection scenario 4 Reuse 14 8 6 20 20 26
Reuse set aside Re-cycle 0 0 0 0 66 31
Dispose 86 92 94 80 14 43
Collection scenario 5 Reuse 11 7 5 16 16 20
Referrals Recycle 0 0 0 0 69 34
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Dispose 89 93 95 84 15 46
Table 2 illustrates the potential contribution of bulky waste to reuse and recycling rates. It models the
potential for reuse and recycling under each of the five scenarios, for each of the individual categories
of items, and as a whole. Some items are potentially both reusable and recyclable; therefore
sometimes a high performing reuse scenario will recycle less than other scenarios.
Table 2 Potential impact of bulky waste scenarios on reuse and recycling rates
% Hard
furniture
% Soft/other
furniture
% General
% Large
WEEE
% Other
WEEE
% Total
Collection scenario 1 Reuse 6 13 3 24 4 50
Whole stream Recycle 1 2 1 7 1 12
Dispose 5 30 1 2 1 38
Collection scenario 2 Reuse 3 6 2 14 3 28
Reuse separate Recycle 4 3 1 4 0 13
Dispose 5 35 2 15 2 59
Collection scenario 3 Reuse 3 6 2 0 0 12
Separate stream Recycle 0 0 0 27 2 29
Dispose 9 38 3 6 3 59
Collection scenario 4 Reuse 2 3 1 7 1 14
Reuse set aside Recycle 0 0 0 22 2 23
Dispose 10 41 4 5 2 63
Collection scenario 5 Reuse 1 3 1 5 1 11
Referrals Recycle 0 0 0 23 2 25
Dispose 11 42 4 5 2 64
The potential for reuse is in the order of 50% of the collected bulky waste stream, but this is
dependent on the right infrastructure and systems being in place. This estimate includes items
requiring checks, preparation and repair before being presented for sale. Outputs in all scenarios
depend upon the success of the system, local circumstances, the quality of items discarded and the
market need. Current good practice in the UK demonstrates reuse levels of around 40%, achieved by
„Bulky Matters‟ in Lancaster. The gap can largely be attributed to the current lower reuse rates for
large electrical items, as against the potential.
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Scenario 1 All bulky waste collected by reuse specialist – either under a direct contract or as a subcontractor to a waste management company
Figure 3 Scenario 1 explained
This scenario has the best potential for maximising reuse. It places the whole bulky waste service with
a reuse specialist who would be responsible for the process from beginning to end and offers a simple
and convenient service to the customer.
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If new, the service may need investment in capacity to deploy the appropriate expertise and
resources. Systems will need to be in place to monitor, measure and report on performance.
Figure 4 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario.
Figure 4 Scenario 1, whole stream system
50%
12%
38%
Collection scenario 1 - All bulky waste
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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Scenario 2 Reuse stream only collected by reuse specialist
Figure 5 Scenario 2 explained
This method helps avoid cross-contamination between clean and dirty streams, and has potential for
high levels of reuse. It requires trained and knowledgeable staff at the call centre to ensure that items
are allocated to the correct service. It can lead to frustration on the customer‟s part if items are not
considered suitable for reuse – either during the initial telephone conversation or subsequently at the
point of collection. It may also involve more than one vehicle collecting from the same property if
there is a mixture of items for reuse and disposal. If items are being collected for reuse vehicles that
protect them from damage are required, whereas items for disposal can be collected using
compaction vehicles. Figure 6 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario.
Bulky Waste Guidance: Collection Options
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Figure 6 Potential reuse and recycling for a separate reuse system
28%
13%59%
Collection scenario 2 - Separate reuse
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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Scenario 3 Bulky waste streams collected separately
Figure 7 Scenario 3 explained
This method will maximise reuse potential of the selected waste stream(s), but will not maximise
reuse across the whole waste stream. It is more complex to arrange and less convenient for the
customer as it may involve multiple collections to deal with the different items. It may also have a
detrimental effect on the local environment, with items being left out for different periods of time and
not being collected all in one go. Ideally, there would be collaboration between the different collectors
so that collections are made more convenient for the householder with a single visit. The collectors
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would then drop off items as appropriate either at the waste transfer station or reuse centre. Figure 8
shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario.
Figure 8: Potential reuse and recycling Scenario 3
12%
29%59%
Collection scenario 3 - Separate streams
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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Scenario 4 Bulky waste team set aside reusable items for reuse specialists
Figure 9: Scenario 4 explained
This requires close cooperation between the contractor and the reuse specialist. It relies on changing
working practices so that items are handled with care to avoid damage and dirt, which inevitably
slows down the loading process and reduces collection capacity.
There is the potential for a good reuse rate, but this is often not achievable in practice without
changing the existing collection protocols and adopting the systems described above. There could
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also be additional cost implications. Figure 10 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this
collection scenario.
Figure 10: Potential reuse from set aside for reuse specialist
14%
23%
63%
Collection scenario 4 - Set aside for re-use specialist
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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Scenario 5 Customers with items suitable for reuse referred to FRO
Figure 11: Scenario 5 explained
This approach involves minimal change to the core bulky waste collection service, but does require
good information at point of call to advise customers of better alternatives for certain items. It can
lead to misunderstandings and frustration for the householder if an item is not taken away because it
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is considered unsuitable for reuse at the point of collection. Figure 12 shows the potential for reuse
and recycling from this collection scenario.
Figure 12: Potential reuse items referred for collection by reuse specialist
HWRC scenarios Whichever method is used at HWRCs, the following points have to be considered and applied to
achieve a successful reuse scheme:
clear information at the site;
sufficient and well informed site staff;
suitable facility for donation point (clean and dry);
ease of use;
careful handling of items;
management and monitoring; and
identification of markets for items for re-sale.
Options for reuse on site vary according to site location and layout, as well as the capacity of local
organisations to participate. Different systems are listed below in order of best potential for reuse and
recycling. They are not definitive scenarios, and there are many possible variations within the
illustrated scenarios. The key scenarios explored are as follows:
Scenario 1 Items segregated for resale on site, with the addition of a workshop to refurbish and
repair bulky items.
Scenario 2
o a. Items segregated and sold on site by site operator.
o b. Items segregated by site staff for sale by reuse specialist on site.
Scenario 3
o a. Segregated by third party for sale off site.
o b. Segregated by site staff and collected by third party reuse specialist for sale off
site.
11%
25%
64%
Collection scenario 5 - Referrals
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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Figure 13: HWRC Reuse system scenarios
Tables 3 to 5 below provide examples of the potential for reuse and recycling of bulky items delivered
to HWRCs, demonstrating the categorisation of individual streams within the bulky waste fraction. It is
based on samples surveyed at HWRCs within the same authorities as depicted in the collections
scenarios. As for bulky waste collections, it would be worthwhile carrying out a sample assessment
locally to determine the type and quality of items delivered to the HWRC.
A. Reusable in current condition.
B. Reusable after minor repair.
C. Reusable after major repair.
D. Not repairable but recyclable.
The following assumptions for reuse have been applied to each of the scenarios:
Scenario 1, with a repair workshop on site, all items considered to be reusable or repairable are
segregated for reuse, while recycling what is viable from the remainder.
Scenario 2a, with shop on site but no workshop, captures all items re-usable in current condition.
HWRC options
Segregated for
refurbishment and
sale on site
Segregated for sale by
contractor on site
Segregated by site
staff for FRO sales on
site
Segregated for sale by
third party off site
Segregated by site
staff and collected by
FRO
High profile
Maximises reuse potential
Reduced handling
Income from sales contributes to on site costs
Benefits
High profile
Incentive to reduce waste to disposal
Reduced handling
Separates activity from main traffic flow
Income from sales contributes to on site costs
Benefits
High profile
Promotes connection between reuse and social benefit
Income from sales contributes to on site costs
Benefits
Reduces waste to disposal
Incentivises reuse
Lower infrastructure costs
Benefits
Requires less space
Does not interrupt traffic flow
Lower infrastructure costs
Benefits
Requires adequate space and infrastructure
Need to manage welfare and safety of trainees
Needs to be separated from main traffic flow
Limited customer profile
Issues
Requires adequate space and infrastructure
Congestion at peak times
Difficult to control and monitor
Limited customer profile
Issues
Congestion at peak times
Limited customer profile
Issues
Need to manage welfare and safety of third parties and control vehicular access
Issues
Dependant on close cooperation between sites staff and FRO
Issues
On site shop Off site salesOn site shop and
workshops
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Scenario 2b, with shop on site, includes all items reusable in current condition plus 50% of items
requiring minor repairs.
Scenarios 3a and 3b, with items segregated for sale off site, include all items reusable in current
condition.
Table 3 below illustrates the maximum potential reuse for individual waste streams under each
scenario, with the remainder either being recycled or disposed.
Table 3 Potential reuse and recycling from individual bulky waste streams at HWRCs
% Hard
furniture
% Soft/
other
furniture
%
General
%
Large
WEEE
%
Other
WEEE
%
Total
Scenario 1 Refurbishment
and sale on site
Reuse 83 70 86 83 89 84
Recycle 15 8 11 14 5 11
Dispose 2 22 4 3 6 5
Scenario 2
Shop on site Reuse 51 59 62 48 63 57
Recycle 44 11 29 43 15 31
Dispose 5 30 10 9 21 12
Scenario 3
Segregated by site staff
collected by
FRO
Reuse 51 59 31 48 63 48
Recycle 44 11 52 43 15 38
Dispose 5 30 17 9 21 14
Table 4 below shows the potential impact on the diversion rate of maximising reuse performance for
each of the individual streams. It shows the key streams to target for optimum reuse performance.
Table 4 Potential impact on reuse and recycling rates for bulky waste delivered to HWRC
% Hard
furniture
% Soft/
other furniture
%
General
%
Large WEEE
%
Other WEEE
%
Total
Scenario 1
Refurbishment and sale on site
Reuse 26 4 25 10 19 84
Recycle 5 0 3 2 1 11
Dispose 1 1 1 0 1 4
Scenario 2
Shop on site Reuse 16 3 18 6 14 57
Recycle 14 1 8 5 3 31
Dispose 2 2 3 1 5 12
Scenario 3
Segregated for
sale off site
Reuse 51 59 31 48 63 48
Recycle 44 11 52 43 15 38
Dispose 5 30 17 9 21 14
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Though the above rates are theoretically possible, at the current time these rates are lower because
of the current costs of refurbishment, quality of items and low market demand for some items.
Many bulky waste items delivered to the HWRC are however both reusable and recyclable. A wooden
table could either be passed on to be used again as a table, or diverted to the wood recycling skip.
Different streams have different recycling potential. the following assumptions for recycling the
remainder after reuse potential has been considered:
Hard furniture – 90%.
Soft furniture – 27%.
General – 75%.
Large WEEE – 82%.
Small WEEE – 42%.
Overall average – 71%.
Table 5 presents a scenario that prioritises 25% of the bulky waste stream for reuse, in this case
totalling 350 tonnes (this is an estimated upper level based on maximising all items for repair). The
remaining 75% (1,050 tonnes) is then diverted to recycling where possible, and disposal if not.
Take Scenario 1 as an example:
Of the 350 tonnes bulky waste prioritised, 84% or 296 tonnes is reusable either in its current state
or after repair. The remaining 54 tonnes is sent on for recycling or disposal.
That 54 tonnes is added to the 1,050 tonnes destined for recycling or disposal making 1,104 tonnes.
If 71% of that material is recyclable then there is the potential to divert a further 784 tonnes,
leaving 320 tonnes for disposal.
Table 5 Profile based on 25% viability of potential reuse stream
Profile based on 25%
Scenario 1
Refurbishment and sale on
site
Scenario 2
Shop on
site
Scenario 3
Off site
sales
Target 350 tonnes (25%)
Reuse 296 199 168
Recycle 784 864 891
Dispose 320 337 341
1,400 1,400 1,400
Proportion of bulky waste
Reuse 21% 14% 12%
Recycle 56% 62% 64%
Dispose 23% 24% 24%
100% 100% 100%
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Proportion of HWRC tonnage
Reuse 4% 3% 2%
Recycle 11% 12% 13%
Dispose 5% 5% 5%
20% 20% 20%
Reuse/recycling rate 15.4% 15.2% 15.1%
Scenario 1 Onsite workshop and resale This option offers the potential to maximise reuse.
The key consideration is space and site layout. The presence of the reuse facility makes a clear
statement of intent, it is high profile and will help to maximise reuse potential. The facility does not
have to be overly sophisticated but should be dry, light and secure. Typically it would comprise a
reception area where delivered goods can be assessed for suitability prior to unloading, secure
storage in which to set goods down, and display areas for saleable goods. The display areas typically
would include an indoor sales room and outdoor bays as appropriate. Adequate parking is required so
as not to impair traffic flow on site and to provide safe pedestrian access.
The building(s) can reflect the ethos of the project through its functionality, design and accessibility,
and can incorporate energy efficiency and water efficiency features. A reuse sale room provides a
distinctive and positive feature to the HWRC site, and lends itself to extended activities such as repair
workshops, an education and information centre, as well as sales of recycled and compost products
made from materials collected on site. Further green design concepts may be explored to showcase
environmental efficiency.
By example, Banbridge Council (see webpage for Case Studies section) incorporated a reuse facility
during the re-development of its HWRC site. The building is 3,000 square feet and includes a shop,
office and repair and refurbishment area. When refitting the building to make it fit for purpose, a shop
front was created to help customers feel like they were entering a shop. Roller shutter doors
elsewhere in the building allow access to the refurbishment area. Householders bring items for reuse
to the HWRC and are directed to a donation point where staff make a quick assessment of the items
as to their suitability, and, if items are suitable, unload and take them to the workshop. If items are
not suitable then the householder is directed to the appropriate recycling or disposal point.
This option would require:
Shop with public access, preferably open at weekends and other peak times
Separately fitted and equipped workshops with restricted access to public
Separated parking for those delivering items and shoppers
Clear signage
Staff to run facilities
Site staff training, and
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Audit management systems.
Figure 14: Potential impact of onsite resale and workshop operated by reuse specialist on reuse and recycling
rates
Scenario 2 Segregated and sold on site This option has high reuse potential.
As with the first option, the space available to locate a facility is critical. It has great potential to
promote reuse and reflect the project ethos through design.
On an appropriate HWRC site with sufficient space and a throughput of over 5,000 tonnes per annum
such as Kings Lynn (featured in the case study section on the main webpage), sales from an onsite
shop can fund the running costs and additional staff required to run the shop.
Another example of an onsite retail shed is at Warwickshire‟s Burton Farm HWRC where a purpose
built shed occupies an area of approximately 1,500 sq. feet. There is a large roller shutter door which
remains open during trading hours. Within the building, there is a display area with items for sale,
small workshop area for electrical testing and small office. It is arranged with smaller items displayed
on racks and shelves and larger furniture items in rows and aisles. Some forecourt area is also used to
display goods. For more information see the case studies section of the Waste Prevention Toolkit.
The shop opens seven days per week and accepts:
furniture such as tables, chairs, sofas cabinets;
white goods;
bicycles;
household goods such as kitchen knick knacks, chinaware, glassware;
musical instruments, sports equipment;
bric-a-brac;
records and books;
gardening tools; and
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some electrical goods and appliances (no televisions or computer monitors).
A shop should be open to the public during HWRC opening hours and householders should be directed
to donate potential re-usable items to the shop. Staff would then assess items and either accept for
reuse or direct on to recycling and disposal facilities as appropriate.
This option would require:
shop with public access preferably open at weekends and peak times;
separate parking for those delivering items and for shoppers;
clear signage;
staff to run facilities;
site staff training; and
audit management systems.
Figure 15: Potential impact of onsite sales
This option provides the opportunity to work in partnership with a third sector organisation delivering
social and economic benefit to the wider community.
Scenario 3 Segregated for sale offsite This option also has the potential for high reuse rates.
Availability of space at the HWRC is less critical for this option. With sales taking place off site, the key
requirement is a storage shed or container where reusable items can be collected over the day and
stored before being taken off site to sell through external outlets. As with other scenarios, items
would be assessed for reuse potential either by site staff or by third party staff and directed
appropriately depending on their condition and reuse potential.
Typically, the space required would be similar to one or two roll on/roll off skips of 100 to 200 sq.
feet, depending on level of throughput and frequency of collection.
57%31%
12%
Scenario 2 - Sales on site
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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This option would require:
space to locate shed/container;
secure dry facility;
dedicated reuse staff on site;
drop off donation point; and
collection vehicle access.
Figure 16: Potential impact of offsite sales by third party
Reuse markets Reuse markets or outlets vary across the country depending on local circumstances and
characteristics. The Furniture Reuse Network (FRN) lists some 400 members throughout the UK, and,
in addition many charity shops also sell donated furniture.
When selecting the best option for increasing bulky waste reuse, a local authority will be to a large
extent dependent on partnering with reuse specialists, who predominantly are third sector
organisations supplying affordable goods to meet social needs. It will be important to work with
partners that have secure outlets and convincing business plans for distributing items for reuse. It
may require a stepped change, tailoring the system to match the capability and growth capacity of a
local partner, starting with informal referrals and aiming for an eventual whole service contract.
Typically, organisations may sell or donate reusable items through a variety of outlets including:
retail reuse shop on primary and secondary high streets, in estates and in light industrial units;
holding areas, such as garages and storage units, for appointment-based or “supplied unseen”
sales and for giving directly to housing associations and other referral agencies and their clients;
auctions;
public sales fairs;
online sales; and
48%
38%
14%
Scenario 5 - Segregated for sales off site
Reuse
Recycle
Dispose
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online giving.
Price ranges for goods will vary, reflecting the quality of item, the customer base and ability to pay. A
rough guide is offered in the FRN‟s joint publication with the National Housing Federation: Win-win
2007, citing between 10% and 50% of retail prices. Charity shops tend to sell at second hand high
street prices, at around 30-70% of retail prices.
The referral agencies may be other council departments such as social services or housing therefore
when developing options it may be beneficial to involve other teams to assess the market in a local
area and develop joint communications on the services available to householders.
Other options There are many alternative opportunities to reuse items and avoid them entering the waste stream,
from traditional donation to charity outlets, to ever developing online opportunities to give or sell
items to be used again. The following provides examples of the scope for reuse that could be
encouraged by a local authority.
Online sale
If the householder believes the item still has value, they may choose to advertise in local newspapers,
classified ads in newspapers or online for a fixed price. Alternatively there are a number of online
auction sites, one of the most well-known being eBay. Individuals can buy and sell a wide variety of
goods, and charities can raise funds through eBay by selling items themselves or by receiving a
donation from the sale of individuals‟ items. By registering the charity and registering a seller‟s
account, a charity can raise money and boost their profile. Online shops can be a cost effective way of
selling goods due to the low staffing requirements and overheads.
Alternative sites such as www.preloved.co.uk exist to provide a different online shopping experience
that acknowledges the environmental benefits of selling second hand items online.
Online giving/swapping
Not all individuals or organisations want to make money from their items, but they do want to see
their goods reused. In 2009, Freegle set up as a UK grassroots organisation of people who give and
receive free unwanted items in their immediate communities. Freegle groups match people who have
things they want to get rid of with people who can use them. Local charities, non-profit groups and
communities are encouraged to join, and the principles are based on freegling! FREEly Given, Locally,
Easily. Visit the website for more information: http://ilovefreegle.org/
The Freecycle Network is like Freegle. It is a non-profit organisation with groups in over 80 countries
with a membership of over four million. Everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all
ages. Having started in America it came to the UK in 2003. Freecycle UK is a registered charity with a
membership of close to one million.
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Other sites such as www.reuze.co.uk, Virtual Skips or Trash Cycle on www.vyouz.com/network also
exist.
The tonnage of material that is swapped on these sites is unclear. However it is evident that these
groups play a part in waste reduction and reuse.
A local authority has the option to promote existing websites more widely, or develop their own.
However, there are disadvantages to the online swap shop system. At the moment, it is socially
exclusive because of the need to have access to a computer and transport. Therefore, while it can be
one part of the solution to encourage wider reuse and waste prevention, it should not be the only
one.
In addition, not all individuals will find the above websites easy to use, or they may not wish to
register. Sometimes people like to use council facilities because there is a perception of quality and
trustworthiness that other sites may not have. Therefore a number of authorities are developing their
own waste exchange sites, although this obviously has resource implications. One example is the
Freeuse site developed by North West Leicestershire District Council www.nwleics.gov.uk/freeuse. The
site is a portal within the council website and is designed to be easy to access and understand.
Charity shops
Local authorities could investigate opportunities to promote furniture reuse shops managed by
charities and social enterprises on their waste web pages and in literature.
As part of a campaign to encourage people to donate to and buy from charity shops/reuse projects,
charity maps connect waste prevention to one of our favourite pastimes – shopping! A number of
cities have produced popular charity maps. The Edinburgh-based sustainable development charity
Changeworks (formerly LEEP) has produced two editions of the Edinburgh Charity Map through its
Generous Scotland project. See their website for more details
http://www.changeworks.org.uk/householders/how-to-reduce-reuse-and-recycle/515/.
Alternative partnerships
Furniture reuse organisations often work with housing associations or housing departments on a
referral basis to provide reused items directly to those in need. This helps to ensure there is demand
for items that are recovered for reuse from the waste stream. There are also opportunities to work
with the voids teams to make use of items cleared from void properties that otherwise may simply be
landfilled, providing an additional supply of items other than directly from householders. Void waste is
often produced in large quantities, and it can be relatively easy to identify items for reuse or that can
be recycled. The waste department will need to liaise with local housing associations, arm's length
management organisations and the social care department to close the loop between supply and
demand of reusable bulky waste.
Cross departmental liaison can be an effective way of delivering valuable services and achieving
targets as well as providing greater value for money for all departments involved. Given that budgets
Bulky Waste Guidance: Collection Options
25
are stretched and local authorities are expected to do more with less, any infrastructure or
communications that can maximise resources should be welcomed. The FRN has produced useful
guidance which is available to download at http://www.frn.org.uk/images/stories/Win-
Win_Publication.pdf
Life stages and events
Bulky waste is often created at particular stages in our lives or to coincide with special occasions. It is
worth checking to see if the council website has „life stages‟ information. For example, people are
likely to look for advice at key points in their lives, which may coincide with the need to dispose of
items (e.g. students, divorce/break-ups; house clearances or empty nesters). People moving into the
area may be looking to purchase items. Suggestions for reuse could be made on these pages. There
may also be opportunities to provide information on reuse outlets to people looking to move or to
furnish new homes through local estate or letting agents.
Recycling markets Before targeting specific streams for recycling, it is essential to have secure outlets for materials.
There should be sufficient confidence that there will be continued demand for materials in the medium
to long term before setting up the scheme. Markets for materials will depend on both quantity and
quality of supply, how materials and goods are presented and the frequency of delivery. Materials
vary in value and these can fluctuate with market conditions. Some materials collected for recycling
will have a positive sales value while others will be collected for free or be charged a gate fee. Current
prices can be found in trade publications such as Materials Recycling Week and letsrecycle.com and
through WRAP‟s Materials Pricing Report. Specific arrangements can be discussed with individual
processors and merchants for one-off or long-term arrangements.
There will be local markets known to local authorities, the private sector and FROs, which can be
investigated. There are also national bodies, which may be able to assist, as shown below:
Material
stream
Contact Website
Wood The Wood
Recycling
Association
www.woodrecyclers.org
Metals British
Metals Recycling
Association
www.recyclemetals.org
WEEE Compliance Schemes or
local
Designated Collection
Facilities
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32086.aspx
http://www.valpak.co.uk/dts/
Plastics British
Plastics
www.bpf.co.uk
Bulky Waste Guidance: Collection Options
26
Federation
Carpets Carpet
Recycling UK
www.carpetrecyclinguk.com
All
materials
WRAP www.wrap.org.uk/recycling_industry/market_information/index.html
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