Reuse Furniture Bank scheme
We're appealing for donations of furniture, white goods and small electrical items to help local residents in need through the Reuse Furniture Bank scheme.
Quick links
Further information
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. These items may then be used to support vulnerable families in Leicester and Leicestershire.
Items suitable for the Furniture Bank 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 | Kitchen and dining room | Lounge | Other |
| Single bed bases | Table and dining chairs | Two-seat sofas | Cushions |
| Bunk beds | Tumble dryers | Corner sofa | Bric a brac |
| Double bed bases | Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) | Three-seat sofas | Blankets |
| Bedside cabinets | Crockery (plates and bowls) | Armchairs | Mirrors |
| Bedside lamps | Pots and pans | Coffee tables | Rugs |
| Wardrobes | Kettles | Sideboards/cupboards | Curtains |
| Chest of drawers | Toasters | Bookcases | Bedding |
| Baby cots | Fridge with an ice box/fridge freezers/under-counter fridge/under-counter freezer | Side tables | Towels |
| Dressing tables | Electric cookers | Lampshades | |
| Washing machines/washer-dryers | Baby stair gates | ||
| Microwaves | |||
| Vacuum cleaners | |||
| Irons and ironing boards |
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 (e.g. sofa, armchair) 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
Our Community Support Grant scheme can help with immediate provision of food and utilities, furniture, white goods and other items for local people in need.
You need to call us on 0116 454 1019 to make an application. This service is available between 8.30am and 5pm from Monday to Friday. More information is available on the quick link above.