Bulky collections put to good use

Unwanted furniture and white goods collected by Ealing Council could find new homes with those most in need as part of a new re-use scheme launched earlier this month.

If suitable, furniture and appliances picked up as part of the council’s bulky re-use service could be re-used, repaired or refurbished before being sold cheaply or donated to low-income families in West London.

Ealing Council is working in partnership with Furnish and London Re-use Network to deliver the scheme.

Items which could be made available through the scheme include:

* Sofas
* Chairs
* Tables
* Beds
* Washing machines and fridges

Office furniture may be offered to schools, charities and community groups operating on a low budget.

Up to eight bulky items can be collected from Ealing residents’ homes for £20, fridges and freezers can be collected for £25. More than eight items can be collected on request for an additional charge.

Cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Bassam Mahfouz said: “I am very proud that Ealing is the first borough in west London to provide a re-use collection service for residents. Every day perfectly good furniture, beds and white goods are thrown away to make way for new, whilst many are looking to buy these items on a tight budget. This is a fantastic opportunity to give a new lease of life to unwanted goods.’’

Charles Craft, managing director of the London Re-use Network added:
‘We are thrilled that Ealing Council has signed up to our bulky waste re-use hotline collection service, giving more Londoners to chance to send their unwanted furniture and white goods for re-use. By donating via the re-use hotline Ealing residents will be supporting local charity Furnish to create volunteering and training opportunities, and provide low cost goods for local people being re-housed or in need.”

To book a collection visit www.ealing.gov.uk/recycling or call 020 8825 6000.

Residents looking to buy quality second-hand items can visit the Furnish store, West12 shopping centre, Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8PP.
Email Furnishwest12.enquiry@sbhg.co.uk; call 020 8749 4031 or visit www.sbhg.co.uk/furnish

Residents eligible for local welfare assistance from Ealing Council, may be given furniture and have it delivered free of charge. For more information or to apply for local welfare assistance visit www.ealing.gov.uk

25th September 2013