Islington residents are reaping the rewards of a new scheme which recycles and refurbishes unwanted household items while also providing training opportunities for the local community.

Repairs and maintenance provider, Kier, in partnership with Islington Council and social enterprise, Bright Sparks, launched the Ray Walk Recycling Centre project in May last year after converting 40 disused garages into a workshop, office and recycling storage units. Not only does the scheme reduce waste from void clearances going to landfill, it also provides affordable furniture and electrical items to local people, as well as offering invaluable training and volunteering opportunities.

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The project has already seen five volunteers go on to paid employment after gaining NVQ qualifications as well as enabling Bright Sparks to open an additional furniture shop, where the refurbished items are sold to provide funding for both training and a salaried shop manager. In the last four months alone, 14.5 tonnes of furniture have been diverted from landfill, a figure estimated to reach 60 tonnes by May 2013, with fly-tipping on the Andover estate significantly reduced. At least ten new training posts will also be set up this year in retail, driving and electrical, with expansion into repairs for gas ovens supported by Kier's gas training expertise.

Kier voids manager, Steve Matthews, said: "The new recycling centre is a great resource for local businesses as it provides a convenient and cost effective way to clear unwanted waste. Recycling charities are often limited by the items they are able to collect and are also not always able to adhere to the strict timelines for void clearance. Our partnership with Bright Sparks means we’re able to take all items to the workshop where at least 70% of them can be recycled. As well as the environmental benefits of not sending waste to landfill, we also predict the new scheme will save more than £100,000 a year in waste disposal charges, a saving which will go back to the Council."

(CD/GK)