The popular Reuse Shop at Priorswood Recycling Site in Taunton recently reopened with new trader Bob Bowyer running the centre on behalf of site contractor, Biffa.
Sitting in the heart of the recycling site, the shop promotes reuse by stopping items that still have life from being recycled or thrown out.
Residents should let the Taunton site team know when bringing reusable items to site, so that it can be put to one side.
The Reuse Shop can take and offer good quality items, from books, bikes, toys, games, furniture, CDs, DVDs and sports equipment to crockery and cutlery but not electrical or gas appliances, or safety related items such as those needed for working at height or head protection.
Reusing items, rather than recycling or throwing away is more environmentally friendly – reducing demand for new items and preventing valuable materials from going to the waste.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste said: “Extending the life of the things we own helps to protect the environment. We know that residents love this local offer and have been looking forward to it reopening.
“The shop helps to conserve materials and energy while offering a bargain.
“However, for those who are not local to Taunton, there are many other ways to reuse and we still encourage people to donate to charity shops and furniture reuse groups or to give items away on Freecycle or Freegle.”
The shop is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm from 1 October to 31 March, and 9am to 6pm from 1 April to 30 September. It will also be open every weekend from 9am to 4pm. Parking is available opposite the shop; visitors need to follow the one-way system around the site to reach it.
The Reuse Shop first opened in 2013 and had been closed since March 2023 following a bereavement.
To find the opening times and locations of all of Somerset’s 16 recycling Sites visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/find-your-nearest-recycling-centre/