New Reuse Shops Open at Cornwall’s Recycling Centres

Truro, St Austell and United Downs centres to welcome pre-loved items sales

Cornwall’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) have launched a new project aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Managed by Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, Kernow Reuse Shops are set to open across the county, offering a variety of affordable pre-loved items.

What’s Available?

The first of these shops opened at Truro HWRC earlier this month, with further shops at St Austell and United Downs HWRCs expected to open soon. Visitors will be able to browse and buy items ranging from home and garden accessories to small electricals, sports equipment, books, and DVDs—all at accessible prices.

The shops are open seven days a week, from 9am to 4pm, providing residents with ample opportunity to donate or pick up items. Those looking to contribute can bring their pre-loved items to any of Cornwall’s HWRCs, where they will either be sold at the reuse shops or given to charity organisations.

A Greener Cornwall

Becky Parry, Renew Manager at Suez, expressed enthusiasm about the project, saying, “We are thrilled to introduce three reuse shops across Cornwall in September and hope to have a shop based at the majority of our HWRCs by the end of 2025.”

She added that the goal is to make reuse accessible and affordable for everyone in local communities, while also creating a positive impact on the environment. “By promoting reuse and recycling across the county, we can all work together towards a greener future for Cornwall.”

A Positive Change

Councillor Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, highlighted the potential of the reuse shops to reduce waste: “We see so many items taken to our HWRCs that are perfectly useable, including some things that are brand new and still in the box.”

The reuse shops are set to play a key role in diverting such items away from landfill, giving them a new lease of life and supporting a more sustainable Cornwall.

For more information, visit the Suez Recycling and Recovery UK website or check out Cornwall Council’s HWRCs page.

Photo: The Reuse Shop at Truro HWRC has a range of pre-loved items for sale, including skateboards, unused picture frames and various kitchen accessories –  Credit: SUEZ