Manchester’s biggest reuse centre reaches milestone in its efforts to support families amid crisis

The Renew Hub today reaches the millstone of 50,000 items repaired and resole to charities and families currently in crisis.

Based in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester, The Renew Hub is considered the UK’s largest, newest and most unique reuse operation, they work with hundreds of tonnes of pre-loved items, they have managed to divert over 500 tonnes of material from going to landfill. 

Daniel Carolan, Regional Manager for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, said: “Our reuse project in Greater Manchester with the development of the Renew shops and Hub is a perfect example of this, saving items that would have previously gone to waste and benefiting local people at the same time through the money raised. 

“We’re at a key milestone for this project with the launch of our online shop and the ability for the Hub to be used for education and events.  

“That alongside the sheer volume of preloved items we’re processing, that go to people who really need them in this current economic climate, is a triumph and we can’t thank everybody enough who is partnering with us and sharing their skills to enable this to succeed.” 

SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK helps to run the operation with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, handling a total of 1.1 million tonnes of waste annually. 

Martyn Cox, leader of the Bolton Council and Lead for the Green City-Region and Waste and Recycling, said: “We have a big target to hit in Greater Manchester in terms of going carbon neutral by 2038, and the Renew Hub represents a major opportunity to change the way we reuse, recycle, and cut emissions from waste.  

“We need to be thinking about the things we throw away, and the Hub proves that much of what you think is irreparable can actually be repaired.  

“It can be used and loved again with the help of our skilled teams and partners upcycling furniture, repairing bikes and washing machines, and generally seeing the potential in someone else’s unwanted items.” 

The Renew Hub has already sold 360 of the 500 tonnes of donated items to the traditional shops located in Oldham, Salford, and Trafford where they can be found at affordable prices. 

It also gives 65 tonnes directly to charities across Greater Manchester. 

Renew Hub’s proceeds from sales go towards the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. 

The entire project hopes to expand nationally, opening an online shop, and opening opportunities in providing 20 new jobs in the green sector and supporting many apprenticeships schemes and a programme with Recycling Lives – a charity focused on reducing homelessness. 

Mr Cox said: “We’re supporting charities and community groups that are rehoming people in need, providing quality goods that actually have a long life left in them, and our shops are offering an alternative to expensive brand-new products for local residents to access.  

“It’s our hope that people across the country will see the difference being made here, and think twice the next time they plan to throw something away.”