The Household Waste Recycling Centre in Tom Benson Way Pic: Google

Homeowners are to be encouraged to take their bric-a-brac to a Preston tip so it can be sold off.

A waste re-use shop is the latest idea from Lancashire County Council to raise some funds for the cash-strapped local authority.

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Operated from the Tom Benson Way facility, crockery, toys and furniture will be reclaimed before going to landfill.

The idea comes from Garstang where a local charity runs Refurb which sells on cleaned up rubbish from the Garstang recycling centre.

Cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services county councillor Marcus Johnstone said: “It’s great to recycle, but it’s even better to reduce the amount we throw away in the first place, and reuse things which are still of value before they become what we normally think of as waste.

“In Lancashire, whilst we promote re-use and are already involved in re-use activities, one of the key areas where we could achieve much more is through the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) service.

“Preston HWRC is well-suited to having a re-use shop as it is a busy site, with enough spare space for a shop. Establishing the shop will allow us to explore and develop further re-use opportunities, particularly in partnership with charitable and voluntary organisations. This may bring further potential benefits in terms of providing training, skills and employment.

“Through the vital services the county council provides to Lancashire’s most vulnerable people, there is also the opportunity to redistribute reusable items to those who need them most, and get much greater value from our waste.”

The Refurb project in Garstang

The shop at the tip is to be run from two refurbished shipping containers and is due to be open by the end of November.

Read more: Former Bluebell Way park and ride site to be sold off

It will operate from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

What can you take to the refurb shop?

• Soft furnishings such as armchairs; beds and mattresses; and sofas.
• Hard furnishings such as bookcases; cabinets; chairs; chests of drawers; cupboards; tables; TV and hi-fi units; and wardrobes.
• Bric-a-brac including books, crockery, DVDs, CDs, records, ceramics and glassware.
• Toys and sports equipment such as bikes, golf clubs, jigsaws and board games.

What do you think of the idea? Have you upcycled anything? Let us know in the comments below