Upcycle Torfaen, a charity warehouse in Cwmbran, prevents waste by selling donated items and aiding those in need.
This charity is Upcycle Torfaen and they are run by the Forest Upcycling Project. This project has branches in other towns such as Chepstow, Cinderford, and Swindon.
The charity saves items from going to landfill, preventing thousands of tonnes of waste that would likely end up in dumps otherwise.
Upcycle Torfaen sells donated items onward and donates to people in need. For example, they help those escaping abuse, fire victims, or the homeless. The council and social workers send referrals and these people get five essential items free plus a discount on extra things.
They also provide house moving and house clearance services. Delivery of items is available for a fee and people can contact them for price quotes or to arrange pick up of single furniture items.
They offer free collection of donated items, accepting most things found in a house, including electric items, which they test and provide with a five-day guarantee.
They accept books, CDs, DVDs, and games and are adding a display shelf for records.
Wood scraps become kindling bundles that sell for £3. The kindling comes in pillowcases to avoid using plastic bags. Return with the bag for a refill to pay only £2.50.
Someone donated over 30 white doors, and Ashley, a volunteer, built a wall with them. This wall now holds bookshelves and sections off space, helping store books and items for sale.
Book sale money goes to a cause in Uganda, where the charity built a school and a teacher’s house.
Upcycle Torfaen features a large furniture area.
Clothes will soon hang on donated metal poles as Ashley is building the clothes area to make browsing easier.
The children’s section is full of toys, strollers, prams, and travel cots.
The charity offers work and volunteer chances and supports individuals with learning disabilities.
Upcycle Torfaen is at Unit 1, Avondale Industrial Estate, on Avondale Way in Cwmbran. They are opposite Solar Buddies and Wiltshire Farm Foods. The postcode is NP44 1UG.