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.”