COFFEE SHOP WHERE TIPPING IS OBLIGATORY...
IT’S not your normal destination for a cuppa.
But now a coffee shop has been opened at a Birmingham tip.
The business at Tyseley Household Recycling Centre is based in a converted horsebox and is being run by recycling specialists Community Reuse.
It will, the company pledges, play an important role in changing a tip into a community hub.
The shop has been built using recycled material and money raised will support a range of training and repair services, such as bike workshops and ‘upcycling’.
Site operators Veolia, the country’s leading resource management company, and Birmingham City Council have worked in partnership with Community
Reuse to promote reuse, reduce waste and give products a new lease of life.
A reuse shop opened at Tyseley last August.
Mark Powell, general manager at Veolia in Birmingham, said: “We are really excited to support Community Reuse in setting up the first coffee shop at a recycling centre in the UK.
“Since the Reuse Shop launched in August, it has diverted over 9,000 items for reuse by giving them a second chance in life. It’s clear the shop has been a hit with Birmingham residents and continues to grow in popularity.
“Visitors can look forward to
shopping sustainably while enjoying a hot drink.”
Steve Bell, from Community Reuse, said: “We want to create circular economy hubs at reuse and recycling centres where the public can have items repaired, learn how
to repair and browse our shops for good quality reuse items.”
Darren Share, Birmingham Council assistant director for Street Scene, said: “The use of a horsebox as a coffee shop is taking the reuse and repurposing of items to a whole different level. It perfectly captures the spirit and essence of what Community Reuse are doing at the Tyseley site and I congratulate everyone involved with the delivery of the idea. I hope the coffee shop is a great success.”