National Re-use Tool

What is it?

The national re-use tool supports community based re-use organisations across Scotland to access bulk household items that are suitable for re-use.

The national re-use tool lists organisations that accepts a broad range of bulk items in good working order.

The benefits of the service include:

• A directory of those that provide free collection service for re-usable items
• Benefiting the local community by supporting third sector and charitable organisations supporting job creation and volunteering opportunities and helping people on low incomes to set up a home
• Maximising the longevity of household goods, keeping the items in use for longer, which assists with diverting material from landfill and other waste treatment, which contributes to reducing the impact of waste on the climate.

How does the service work?

If you have bulk items that are in good condition, could be re-used, haven't been left outside and still have the necessary fire labels (for sofas and armchairs), simply visit the Zero Waste Scotland website. There you can search for the re-use organisations that can collect items from your area. You will need to contact a suitable re-use organisation from the directory and arrange for your items to be collected.

What items are accepted?

All items should be in good working condition.  Examples of items that re-use organisations will accept:

• Sofas and armchairs (fire regulation tags must be attached)
• Beds and mattresses (fire regulation tags must be attached)
• Wardrobes, chest of drawers, bookcases, dressing tables
• Dining furniture
• Fridges, freezers , electric cookers, washing machines and tumble dryers
• Bicycles

What items are not accepted?

Examples of items that re-use organisations will not accept:

• Items which are soiled, ripped or damaged in any way
• Gas appliances of any kind
• Bulky style televisions
• Large wall units
• Small electrical items (e.g. toasters, kettles, microwaves)
• Items that have been left outside
• Sofa and armchairs which have had fire tags removed

Charity shops and other furniture re-use organisations within Glasgow also accept household goods for re-use.