Inside Cornwall’s Reuse Shops Where Pre-Loved Items Get a Second Life

From vinyl records to bee dishes – the rise of Kernow Reuse shops

A growing network of reuse shops in Cornwall is turning what might have been waste into affordable treasures for local shoppers.

Set up inside cheerful turquoise shipping containers at Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs), Kernow Reuse Shops are packed with everything from furniture and tools to sports gear and musical instruments.

Run by SUEZ, which manages Cornwall’s waste on behalf of Cornwall Council, the shops aim to divert good-quality items from the skips and back into homes across the Duchy.

From skips to surprises

The newest shop at Launceston, which opened in April, has already attracted bargain hunters and curious browsers.

Sven Olsen stopped by to drop off some old cardboard and ended up walking away with a Frank Sinatra vinyl, a thermos and a set of golf clubs.
“I got a good deal,” he said. “I’m very pleased.”

Eve Salthouse was equally impressed after picking up a dish for the bees in her garden.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” she said. “There’s so much waste and often you see people dumping really good stuff that other people would appreciate. I think it serves both social need and environmental needs as well.”

Jasmin Slade and James Joppe found toys for their children and a wooden toy box ready for a makeover.
“This toy box, we’re going to sand it down and bring it back to life,” Jasmin said. “It was a lovely surprise. The stuff they’ve got in here for the children is fantastic. There’s a range of everything.”

A growing movement

Since the first reuse shop opened in September 2024, the scheme has gained momentum, with more shops opening across the county and plenty of donated items arriving in excellent condition – many still in their original packaging.

Becky Parry, Cornwall Renew Manager at SUEZ, said:
“I’m really, really proud of what we’re creating in Cornwall. Reuse is the best thing for the environment. The shops provide the opportunity for us to divert items from the waste stream and for members of the community to buy things at affordable prices. The feedback we’ve received from everybody has been really positive and I’d like to thank everyone for their support.”

Councillor Loic Rich, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, added:
“Protecting the environment is a key priority for the new administration at Cornwall Council. We want to take a common-sense approach to recycling and reusing unwanted items. I’m delighted that the Reuse shops have been so well supported and look forward to seeing more opening in the coming months.”

Where to find them

Kernow Reuse Shops are currently open at HWRCs in Truro, St Austell, Launceston, Falmouth and United Downs. A sixth shop is set to open at Bude at the end of June.

Further shops are also planned for St Erth, Bodmin and Connon Bridge near Liskeard later this year.

Members of the public are encouraged to drop off pre-loved items at any HWRC.

Visitors to St Erth, Newquay, Saltash, St Austell, Bodmin, Bude and Launceston must book in advance via Cornwall Council’s website.