Furniture recycling scheme hailed a success

A FURNITURE recycling system in Dorset is set to be rolled out on a permanent basis after a successful year on trial.

The Furniture Reuse Credit Payments Scheme sees charitable organisations sponsored to collect people’s old furniture and redistribute it to low income households across the county.

More than 200 tonnes of furniture was diverted from rubbish tips between April and December last year.


Organisations such as Dorset Reclaim in Dorchester and Second Chance Furniture in Weymouth were paid around £46 per tonne for the service.

Dorset County Council’s director for the environment, Miles Butler, told the council’s performance over-view committee: “Rather than going into the waste system these organisations are managing the redistribution of the furniture to those on low incomes.

“The trial has proved to be very cost-effective.

“The cost is more than compensated by the savings we make on not having to deal with the waste.”

Councillor David Fox said: “One of the organisations actually took tonnes of furniture up to Gloucestershire to help those stricken by the floods last summer.

“I hope that redeployment of furniture outside the county boundary will continue if there are special circumstances like that.”

Coun John Peake added: “It’s a brilliant scheme.”