News 61
A shop selling unwanted household items from a recycling centre has expanded after more than 2,100 items were bought in its first year. The reuse shop at New Romney Household Waste Recycling Centre sells pre-loved goods brought to the site by residents, giving shoppers the chance to pick up "new-to-you" household bargains, Kent County Council (KCC) said. Shoppers can browse through everything from furniture and bags to kitchenware, books, ornaments and paintings , external .
Following its success, the site has expanded to include a larger retail area, three shipping containers and a covered canopy. KCC said 31 tonnes of reusable items were diverted from waste disposal in the shop's first year. Items taken to the recycling centre are identified by staff and sold through the shop.
Most are sold in the condition they are received, although electrical goods are tested by trained staff before sale. Popular items include ornaments, toys, sports equipment, small furniture and electrical goods. One of the more unusual items sold was a stool shaped like a hand, "which generated plenty of interest", the council said.
Councillor Jamie Henderson said the shop's success had "exceeded our expectations". He said every item sold through the shop helped to reduce waste, adding: "Before we think about recycling, we should always ask whether an item can be used again." Rory Brien, head of municipal treatment at FCC Environment, KCC's waste management contractor, said it was important to provide spaces for reuse to become "a daily habit". Income raised through sales supports local charities and helps to fund future reuse projects across Kent, the council said.
The shop was Kent's first reuse store at a household waste recycling centre when it opened in 2025. It now has two part-time staff members. Residents can donate good quality items at the shop or nearby household waste recycling centres.
The shop shares the recycling centre's opening hours. A second shop has since opened at Allington, and the two shops have generated about £23,000 in sales revenue so far. Charities to have benefitted include Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, Demelza House Children's Hospice and Porchlight.
The council and FCC Environment are looking at expanding the shop network across Kent, with proposals for shops in east Kent and Sevenoaks, and a repair initiative. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook , external , X , external , and on Instagram , external and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds . Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Source: BBC
