Eco-conscious Hertfordshire residents helped to save more than four tonnes of items from disposal at this year's County Show.
More than 900 pieces of furniture, bikes and household items were sold at Hertfordshire County Council’s County Show pop-up Reuse Shop.
All these items would have otherwise been broken down, recycled, or disposed of.
This means that shoppers saved more than four tonnes from disposal over the weekend — the equivalent weight of eight, 20-foot oak trees.
Councillor Terry Douris, chairman of the council, said: “We are thrilled with the success of the pop-up Reuse Shop at the County Show and want to thank everyone who visited, bought a bargain, and helped to play their part in protecting our planet.
"Visitors enjoyed the sun and battled the rain over the two days in search of a bargain and we are so pleased to have beaten our record sale compared to 2022!”
Large crowds gathered during the daily live auctions, where high-value items were auctioned off with a £1 starting bid.
Money raised from the auctions will be reinvested into Herts County Council’s network of Reuse Shops to pay for the upkeep of the stores and reinvested back into the wider reuse and recycling networks.
Visitors also learnt about the Reuse Shops Community Donations scheme, where local charities, schools and community groups can access free items to support their work.
To find out more about your local Reuse Shop and the Community Donations scheme visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/reuse
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was also on hand at the stand, sharing information about home fire safety visits — of which 35 residents booked a visit — and getting the kids involved with a pop-up smoke house.
On the Sunday, fire investigation dogs Loki and recently retired Reqs joined the fun, sniffing out bargains in the Reuse Shop.
The Reuse Shops at Harpenden, Stevenage, Ware, Waterdale and Welwyn Garden City Recycling Centres saved 610 tonnes from the waste stream in 2023-24, whilst providing residents with unique, preloved, quality furniture, bikes, and other items.
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