Gateshead Council run a free bulky article scheme for the removal of your unwanted furniture for disposal.
Or, why not give it to one of the local Community Furniture Recycling schemes instead?
There are several reasons why furniture re-use and recycling makes sense:
-
It helps people on low incomes to get hold of the items of furniture they need at affordable prices or sometimes for free;
-
It extends the life of furniture that would otherwise be thrown into a hole in the ground at a local landfill site;
-
It provides a service for people who would prefer to give their items to a worthy cause;
-
It acts as a resource for welfare agencies and social services.
Furniture Re-use Network
The Furniture Re-use Network is the only umbrella organisation for around 300 furniture recycling projects throughout the UK. Unwanted furniture is donated by the general public, collected free of charge by local projects and sold on to people on low-incomes.
Formerly known as the Community Furniture Network, the Furniture Re-use Network was established in 1989. Its objectives are to:
-
Provide information, services, training and support to furniture recycling projects;
-
Promote the re-use of unwanted furniture and household goods for the alleviation of need, hardship and distress;
-
Promote a national identity for furniture recycling and to be the media contact on generic rules;
-
Campaign and raise public awareness on issues that affect Furniture Re-use Network members and people who benefit from their services;
-
Promote good practice and high quality standards of service from member projects.
FRN member projects limit their supply to people in need through a system of referral from welfare agencies. It is the intention of the Furniture Re-use Network to distinguish itself from second hand dealers and other charity shops that sell to the general public, including dealers on a regular basis.
Unlike many other recycled materials that face a problem of not having an end market, furniture recycling charities are attempting to satisfy a massive demand for furniture from people on very low incomes. Many Furniture Re-use Network members report that demand exceeds supply by up to 50%. Furniture Re-use Network estimates that charitable furniture projects redistribute over £13 million of furniture every year.
The Furniture Recycling Network c/o S.O.F.A
48 -54 West St
St Phillips
Bristol
BS2 OBL
Tel: 0117 954 3571
Fax: 0117 954 3570
Foundations Furniture
Foundations Furniture accepts donations of furniture and household items from homes in Gateshead and surrounding areas. Collections are made from most areas free of charge. All Donated items are distributed free of charge to families and individuals in need within the Gateshead Borough.
Examples of acceptable donated items include:
-
Three piece suites (fire tags must be visible)
-
Coffee tables
-
TV/video units
-
Small wall units
-
Bookcases
-
Dining tables and chairs
-
Wardrobes
-
Drawers
-
Bedside cabinets
-
Single and double beds (mattresses must be unmarked)
-
Kitchen utensils (pots, pans, crockery, cutlery etc)
-
Curtains, bed linen, towels etc
We do not accept electric or gas appliances.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 4.30pm
Linda Wilde, Shop Manager
Foundations Furniture & Gardening Project
Unit 2 Tower Court
Ravensworth Road
Dunston
NE11 9AZ
Tel/ Fax: 0191 460 0978