Emmaus launches recycle scheme
Emmaus, located in the lower mall has launched a recycling scheme to ensure items destined for land-fill are put to good use.
Up to now they have found use for mannequins, display units, desks, shelving, and even wooden pallets. The charity has also been offering tips on how fixtures and fittings can be given a second life in homes, shops, restaurants or offices.
Emmaus plays host to a showroom, charity shop and even a workshop where carpentry courses are run to help unemployed people gain new skills. That initiative has seen unwanted wooden pallets utilised while an unwanted till has been cleaned, repaired and is now used in the shop.
John Webbe, executive lead at Emmaus, which has a huge warehouse providing homeware on Hanley’s Etruria Road, says they have been able to reuse over 60 unwanted items. He said: “We are keen to support the centres’ businesses in helping them to reuse good quality items which are no longer required. We can take these items away at no charge to prevent them going to landfill, and ultimately saving the centre a significant sum in waste disposal charges at the same time.
“Since moving to our new shop in The Potteries Centre, we have reused more than 60 different unwanted items, including mannequins, shop display equipment, chairs, desks, lighting, and much more.
“Business waste is a massive issue and we would like to help our fellow tenants to reuse as much as possible, and in doing so they are also helping our charity when donating them to us. We would invite any of the businesses to pop into our shop on the lower floor where we can help with any queries.”
Every year Emmaus supports more than 800 households who don’t have essential furniture or appliances. The charity’s efforts are supported through its shops.
Amy Whittaker, general manager of the Potteries Centre, said: “We are always looking for ways to promote sustainability and greener practices within the centre, and we are thrilled to lend our support to Emmaus’ exciting recycling initiative. We would encourage all our tenants to take a fresh look at what may previously have been considered waste to find the potential to reuse and recycle.
“The work that Emmaus North Staffs does fighting furniture poverty and supporting the homeless and unemployed members of our community is vital, especially in light of the current cost of living crisis. As a centre, we are committed to supporting local charities, and the recent installation of our charity wishing well has allowed us to raise funds and awareness for some very important causes in Stoke and the wider Staffordshire area.”
