From bras and batteries to bedding and bric-a-brac, unwanted goods can be given a new life at Lakeside Village.
As part of the centre’s commitment to reducing waste, a host of recycling opportunities are available for customers looking to ‘go green’.
Lakeside Village is focusing on reusing items as part of a pledge to achieve an overall recycling rate of 80%.
Books, clothing, jewellery and small items of furniture in good condition can be donated to the RSPCA collection van, in M&S layby from 10am to 2pm on the last Saturday of each month.
DVDs and CDs and general household bric-a-brac in good condition can also be donated for resale in the RSPCA’s charity shops.
You can “shwop” at M&S Outlet, where clean, pre-loved clothing can be dropped off (even if it’s not from M&S). M&S will also collect household batteries to recycle.
At the Next Outlet, you can replace a new electrical, electronic or batter-operated item with a new one from Next. Simply bring the old item into store within 28 days, show the receipt for its replacement, and Next will take care of recycling it.
At Guest Services, customers are invited to drop off household batteries, printer cartridges and PPE, including disposal face masks and plastic gloves. Used bedding, sheets, towels and knitted blankets can also be donated, for the RSPCA to keep four-legged friends nice and cosy.
The BRA BANK at Guest Services is the place to deposit unwanted wearable bras, which are sent to women in Africa.
Plastic packaging pouches and make-up packaging can be taken to The Body Shop.
Even your favourite reads can be given a new life, at the Reading Corner book library. Customers who love books and love reading are invited to take up to three books home to read. They can then return them or replace them with three more books so every visitor to Reading Corner has a chance to read something new.
Di Mellis, centre manager at Lakeside Village, said: “Recycling is a fantastic way to reduce waste and at the same time give another life to unwanted goods.
“We take our responsibility to reduce waste seriously and are committed to providing opportunities for our customers to minimise their own carbon footprints.
“We are really proud of our achievements so far but well aware we can all do more to reduce our environmental impact. We are always open to suggestions and ideas from customers and neighbouring businesses on how to keep improving, so we can all protect our environment.”