There are organisations and individuals all over Dorset that might need those things you are about to throw in the recycling or rubbish bin.
Charity Ideas2Action has teamed up with the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP)to produce the first issue of ‘We Need That – Dorset’, a reuse directory that lists dozens of commonly thrown-away items, and the many not-for-profit organisations and individuals who need them.
Items include:
Biscuit tins
Flower pots
Pallets
Buttons
Beer bottle caps
Paint
The directory is an easy-to-use 20-page document that can be downloaded and printed. Useful items are listed alphabetically, with the contact details of the organisations that need them provided alongside. Copies will also be available to view at Dorset libraries.
People can then contact the organisations directly or may wish to take their items to one of Ideas2Action’s many “Win on Waste®” events held around Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth. These events see volunteers gather donations from members of the public and distribute them to the organisations in the directory. Some schools have even set up their own sessions.
The waste items are then sent to specialist facilities to be made into something new, used in arts and crafts or sold on to make money for charity.
Karyn Punchard, director of the Dorset Waste Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in such a fantastic initiative. Helping Ideas2Action to match items that might otherwise be thrown away with organisations that would benefit from receiving them is tremendously rewarding.
Most people in Dorset recycle their waste because it’s the right thing to do, but reusing items is always better – both for the environment and the public purse. Every single item kept out of the bin saves your local council money in processing costs and reduces the amount of energy required to recycle or treat waste.
The DWP is looking forward to seeing how the ‘We Need That! – Dorset’s reuse directory develops and grows, and watching organisations and individuals benefit from other people’s contributions.”
Monique Munroe, business manager of Ideas2Action, added: “When the Dorset Waste Partnership asked us to produce the reuse directory for Dorset, we jumped at the chance to expand on our successes in Bournemouth and Poole.
We already have 15 organisations and individuals in the new directory who are benefitting from this initiative, but we’re always keen to hear from others who may benefit from these waste items. If you are a member of a not-for-profit organisation or are simply an individual who can make use of the items in the list, please contact us at contact@ideas2action.org.uk or visit our website at http://www.ideas2action.org.uk/
You can also find out more information about our Win on Waste® sessions on the website or by liking our Facebook page or following us on Twitter.”
The ‘We Need That – Dorset’ reuse directory can be downloaded and/or printed online.
