Posted on: Tuesday 15 February 2022
A new reuse shop at the New Inn Household Waste Recycling Centre is proving a big hit with residents since it reopened in December.
In January alone more than 3,100 household items were reused rather than being recycled or turned in to energy thanks to The Steelhouse.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Torfaen Council’s Executive member for the Environment, officially opened The Steelhouse on Valentine’s Day, declaring it a “huge success with residents”.
“As it’s Valentine’s Day we thought it appropriate to celebrate the love people are showing for this shop.
“This is not only a great place to grab a bargain, but it’s also good for the planet, helping us meet our recycling and reuse targets and giving residents a chance to see their unwanted items go to a new home” she continued.
The shop is also helping the council reach the Welsh Government’s 2024 target of a 70% recycling rate. The shop has already diverted more than five tonnes of household materials since it reopened in December.
Run by local charity Wastesavers, in partnership with FCC Environment and the council, The Steelhouse is already building a loyal following.
Ross Channing and his partner Melissa Hughes (picture) are regular visitors.
Ross said; "We come to The Steelhouse all the time and we love it. We love the whole idea of reuse. There is so much stuff in the shop and a huge variety of different things. We also like that it's all being saved from going into landfill, which is brilliant.”
“All the stuff on offer is well priced and suits everyone budget,” Melissa added. “Definitely worth a visit … come on down and grab a bargain."
Rob Pearce, shop manager, is confident that the shop will grow as more people hear about it.
“We’re already getting regulars and meeting a need that is clearly out there,” he explained.
“Not everybody can afford £20.00 for a new kettle, but most people can afford £3.00.
“Every parent with small children knows how much toys cost, but we’ve got hundreds here at a fraction of the cost and just waiting for a new owner.”
FCC Environment’s Operations Director Steve Longdon said: “We work hard to recycle as much of the waste that comes onto our recycling sites as possible, but have long been aware that many of the items that are dropped off could still have a useful life ahead of them.
"We are pleased to see so many items finding a new home and that The Steelhouse and staff at the skips are managing to save so much “treasure from the trash!”