The popular Reuse Shops at Llanfoist and Five Lanes recycling centres reopened this week.

However this year there is a change to the days that the shops are open, with Llanfoist Reuse Shop now open on a Tuesday from 10am-3pm, and Five Lanes Reuse Shop now open on a Wednesday from 10am – 3pm.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Reuse Shops sit alongside Five Lanes recycling centre in Caerwent and Llanfoist recycling centre near Abergavenny and they offer salvaged items at bargain prices.

The stock for both shops comes from items rescued by dedicated teams who work at the centres, intercepting safe and useful items as they leave the cars’ boots before they’re thrown in the skips.

One of the highlights of last year’s work was the saving of a rare 1930s Mickey Mouse toy, which has now been donated to a local museum. Not all finds are as rare, but they are all significant and help reduce waste.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming customers and volunteers back to the shops again,” said Rebecca Blount, reuse and recycling officer.

“We have many loyal customers who visit every week or two, and it’s always so nice to chat with them. Our shop stock is always changing as more items are saved from being dumped.

‘‘We literally have something for everyone. Items such as coffee tables are perfect for a bit of upcycling with a lick of paint or wax, while the chairs could provide a re-upholstery project.

“The Reuse Shops are part of the Monmouthshire’s flourishing circular economy – which include repair cafés, community fridges and the Library of Things which work to tackle the Climate Emergency.

‘‘Every time we buy a preloved item we make a difference, so why buy new when there’s a range of exciting, original and vintage stuff here?

‘‘I’d encourage residents to come and take a look for themselves – you don’t need to book, just turn up when we are open. The amount of stock on display just shows how much might have been wasted if it were not for the efforts of everyone at the recycling centres and the shops at Five Lanes and Llanfoist.”

Since the Llanfoist Reuse Shop opened in June 2019, it’s estimated that more than 19,500 items have been saved from the skips and profits have helped fund the planting of 12842 trees (12259 whips and 583 standard trees young trees 6ft-8ft tall, often seen in parks and open spaces) across Monmouthshire.

With Welsh government funding, the Five Lanes Reuse Shop opened in summer 2021 and as with the Llanfoist shop it relies on support from the local community.

Dedicated staff and a team of enthusiastic volunteers work to stock the shop and present the very best salvaged and vintage items for sale. From garden equipment, including pots and tools, kitchenalia, antiques, small items of furniture, glasses, tableware, pictures, toys, books, bicycles for all ages, and collectables, the selection is constantly being added to as more items are saved by the team on site.

If there’s a specific item you are on the look-out for, why not let the team at the shops know – the variety of items available is immense.

Profits from the Reuse shops support Monmouthshire County Council’s wider tree planting programme.

This helps in the fight against climate change and reduces the council’s waste disposal costs.

This summer, the Five Lanes Reuse Shop will also be selling compost/soil improver at £2 a bag. The compost is made from the garden waste brought into the recycling centres by residents and is supplied by Abergavenny Green Waste.

For more information visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/reuse-shop/