Ethos Public Relations Manchester

ALMO reduces waste with 'Pass it On' scheme

by Ethos public relations

Every year British people throw away around 10 million pieces of furniture – that’s around 30,000 bits of furniture every day and this wastefulness is just one of the reasons why ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has started a furniture re-use scheme called Pass It On.

Angela Havens Financial Inclusion Manger for the company said:  “We regularly meet new tenants who are really desperate for items to furnish their new house or flat – at the same time when we go into empty properties we come across furniture that people have just left for us to take away and throw out.  It made sense to put the two together and pass on reusable items to those in need.”

The furniture re-use scheme is designed to help young people set up their first home. However it will consider requests from other tenants setting up home and if it has surplus stock, will try to help other tenants.

The scheme is looking for workable fridges and fridge freezers, lamps, dining furniture, bed frames and bedroom furniture, bookshelves, cupboards, TV standards and sofas or armchairs that have the fire safety label still on.  So if you’re throwing away an item like this – don’t.  Give the money Matters team at RBH a call and “Pass It On”

“As well as being good for the environment and helping people set up home, the furniture re-use scheme has recreated two full time jobs on a 12 month basis,” said Angela.  “The new team assess, collect and remove the furniture clean it up and if necessary make any minor repairs.  We then sell off the furniture at affordable rates to tenants. For example a fridge will cost £20 and a coffee table will cost £5.00.

The scheme has only been running for 4 weeks and already RBH has managed to help around 15 households.

“If we do have surplus furniture stock we will do a surplus sell off day,” said Angela “that way we can help as many people as possible.”

If you would like to pass on your unwanted furniture and help others furnish their home then please contact RBH on 078075 10324.

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Posted at 26^th January 2011