Hundreds of Salix Homes tenants benefit from recycling revolution

A pre-loved furniture recycling project is supporting people living in poverty in Salford.

The Furniture Recycling Scheme from housing association Salix Homes aims to give new life to unwanted furniture and help tenants with access to much-needed furniture and household appliances.

Since the launch of the scheme in 2019, more than 1800 items of furniture including sofas, wardrobes, beds, white goods, and even smaller items such as ornaments and mirrors, have been diverted away from landfill sites.

The eco-friendly scheme recycles unwanted furniture, household items and white goods and offers them to customers in need.

Initially, the scheme was only available for new tenants who needed help setting up a home, but the scheme is now open to any Salix Homes tenant who may be experiencing financial difficulty and has proved a lifeline for many, particularly during the pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Janine Hart the recycling scheme coordinator loves that Salix Homes is able to help tenants furnish their homes and keep unwanted furniture out of landfill sites, she said:

“It’s great knowing the furniture we collect from houses will be re-used by our tenants. The scheme has gone from strength to strength, and we’ve helped 231 tenants this year and saved over £14000 in disposal costs.  There is a £10 delivery charge to cover fuel costs but when you think about it, that’s still only £2 per item, that’s a bed, wardrobe, or cooker for less than the price of a coffee – so it’s proving a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost-of-living.

Janine continued. “The furniture is either donated by tenants or has been left behind when a resident moves out.

“If it’s good quality and fit for use, it’s collected by the Salix Homes Environmental Team – saving it from being dumped in landfill sites”.

Maria Lester, Environmental Services Manager at Salix Homes, added: “People who are struggling can come down to our warehouse and pick what they need to help make their house into a home. This includes people struggling with the cost of living, refugees and anyone escaping domestic abuse. Alternatively, if you’ve got any household items that you no longer want, you could donate them to our recycling scheme. You’ll not only be helping the planet but also people who might be finding it tough, especially at this time of year.”

For more information on donating furniture or if you could make use of this new service moving into your new Salix Home then please get in touch by calling on 0800 218 2000 or visit Furniture recycling scheme – Salix Homes