Charity call to make cash from waste

bosses are calling on people in Sunderland to stop dumping household goods which could help save lives.

A British Heart Foundation (BHF) survey has found that nearly a third of people in the North East – 31% – are choosing to bin electrical items and furniture which is in good enough condition to be recycled, reused or donated.

This similar pattern is repeated across the country, with the charity leading charity saying this could be linked to the rise of “fast furniture” – replacing items in good condition due to rapidly changing interiors trends.

BHF say these good can be recycled and sold in their shops to raise cash for vital research into treating people with heart conditions.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the BHF, said: “Last year the British Heart Foundation rescued 74,000 tonnes of items from landfill due to the generous donations of our supporters.

“But we know that there are still so many more sofas, side boards and beds out there that aren’t yet ready for the tip and could provide an ideal and affordable answer for those lookCharity ing to furnish their home on a budget.

“This month we are asking people to join the Re-use Revolution and shop, upcycle or donate their second hand furniture while helping to raise funds for life-saving research in to heart and circulatory disease.”

Last year, the BHF reused and recycled over 42,000 tonnes of furniture and electrical products including 185,000 sofas and 50,000 TVs.

For further information on the Reuse Revolution and information, go to www.bhf. org.uk/ReuseRevolution