Target 45 Plus

Council sets up repairers' list

== Thurs 27th March ==

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is setting up a register of businesses and organisations that repair or collect household goods.

The register will enable residents to give a new lease of life to household items rather than sending them to landfill.

The register will list repairers of items such as broken chairs, washing machines, fridges, clothing and shoes.

It will also include organisations and charities that collect items, such as tables, chairs and beds for distribution to those in need, like the homeless.

Councillor Symon Fraser, the council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Many of us, me included, are far too quick to just discard furniture and electrical goods that are broken or that we no longer need.

“Doing this adds to the amount of waste that we throw away across the East Riding.”

He added: “But one person’s junk might just be what someone else is looking for, and what is needed is a connection. This register will be a successful way to link the demand with the supply.”

Anjanette Mills of M J Booth Electric, Driffield, said: “We repair white goods and sell reconditioned appliances. I am all in favour of anything that will help the environment and was one of the first to put my name on the register.

“Hopefully, the register will make people think twice about throwing things away if they can access repairers at a click.“
Darron Donkin, operational manager for Eternal Benefits Furniture, Hull, said: “We collect items, like three-piece suites, from all over East Riding and Hull on behalf of those in need.”

He added: “There are two benefits to this register: those in need get furniture, and useful household goods are stopped from going to landfill. You would be amazed at what people throw away!”

Repairers and organisations wanting to be on the register should contact John Kelly, the council’s community and sustainable development officer, on (01482) 391716 or email john.kelly@eastriding.gov.uk

The register was launched in July, and residents can access it here: Repair and Re-Use Register.

Last year, the council collected about 170 tonnes of televisions and fridges, many in working order and which were sent for recycling.

Up to 800 tonnes of furniture, most of it recyclable was collected and went directly to landfill.

The council is promoting Target 45+ to get all households in the East Riding to recycle at least 45 per cent of their waste by 2010.

For more information:
Gillian Pattison
Press Office
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Tel: 01482 391450

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Council sets up repairers' list

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