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Furniture reuse scheme

Donated furniture inside van

We're appealing for donations of furniture, white goods and small electrical items to help Leicester residents in need through our Furniture Reuse scheme.

How does it work?

Collections are made by our charitable partners, the Leicestershire and Rutland Reuse Network (LRRN), and the service is free.

LRRN is a group made up of three charities - Work Link Project, REACT and SOFA. The charities are happy to collect any items in a clean, useable condition to save them from going to landfill. For more information, please visit the LRRN website.

Items suitable for the Furniture Reuse scheme

LRRN is looking for the items listed below, but will also consider other items, if they are in excellent condition.

LRRN also has the facility to test and reuse waste electrical equipment, so may be able to use any electrical items with a minor fault.

Bedroom

  • Baby cots
  • Bedside cabinets
  • Bedside lamps
  • Bunk beds
  • Chest of drawers
  • Double bed bases
  • Dressing tables
  • Single bed bases
  • Wardrobes

Kitchen and dining room

  • Crockery (plates and bowls)
  • Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons)
  • Electric cookers
  • Fridge with an ice box/fridge freezers/under-counter fridge/under-counter freezer
  • Irons and ironing boards
  • Kettles
  • Microwaves
  • Pots and pans
  • Table and dining chairs
  • Toasters
  • Tumble dryers
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Washing machines/washer-dryers

Lounge

  • Armchairs
  • Bookcases
  • Coffee tables
  • Corner sofa
  • Sideboards/cupboards
  • Side tables
  • Three-seat sofas
  • Two-seat sofas

Other

  • Baby stair gates
  • Bedding
  • Blankets
  • Bric-a-brac
  • Curtains
  • Cushions
  • Lampshades
  • Mirrors
  • Rugs
  • Towels

How do I arrange a collection?

To arrange a collection call 0330 355 0707. Calls to this number are charged at the local rate.

You will be asked a few questions about the items you wish to donate, and LRRN will then contact you to arrange a collection. Please keep all items indoors until the collection day.

Once LRRN collects any items they reserve the right to dispose of them or reuse them as appropriate. The charities may also not collect any items which are not currently required, or if they are found to be unsuitable on collection.

If any items aren’t going to be collected, the driver will explain why. Alternative services include a free bulky waste collection and our household waste and recycling sites.

Fire labels

Any items of upholstered furniture (for example, sofas and armchairs) must have a permanent fire label attached. Please check to see whether you have the label before arranging a collection. These are usually sewn into the item, and may be on the underside, hidden by fabric or under cushions. If there is no fire label you will be asked to book a bulky waste collection instead.

You can download examples of fire labels at the bottom of the page.   

Unsuitable items

Examples of items that we are unable to collect include: 

  • any item that may be contaminated/soiled
  • any item that are ripped, stained or badly damaged
  • clothing
  • cookers
  • mattresses
  • pillows.

LRRN will tell you when you call if your item may not be suitable.

House clearances

You can donate items through the scheme if you are clearing a property. Please make LRRN aware when you call. LRRN may not be able to clear the whole property but can remove any items which are suitable for reuse.

Applying for support

We operate the Community Support Grant scheme to support vulnerable people experiencing financial difficulties and who meets the policy criteria. Full details can be found at the community support grant page.