SUEZ and Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough Councils agree extension to household waste recycling centre contract to 2031 as part of plans to increase recycling and reuse across the boroughs
Driving waste prevention through increased recycling and reuse is essential to creating a more circular economy and supporting the ambitious net-zero targets set by both councils. As part of this effort, the new extension includes exciting plans to open a reuse shop at Tees Valley HWRC this April. The shop will offer preloved items at affordable prices, preventing them from going to waste.
SUEZ is committed to ensuring that discarded goods are reused to create economic, environmental and social value. According to SUEZ’s recent ‘Repair, Re-use, Reform – How to accelerate Progress to a Circular Economy’ report, UK households and businesses throw away two million tonnes of electrical appliances every year and discard 70 million different household items worth more than £2bn.
As part of the extension, a number of upgrades will also be made to the site’s existing infrastructure and welfare facilities. These improvements include the replacement of the gatehouse, welfare cabins and 360-degree material handler, all designed to provide a safer and more efficient service for site visitors and staff.
Steve Atkinson, Regional Manager at SUEZ said: “We’re delighted to be extending the contract with our partners at Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees Councils. Through our strong working relationships, we look forward to continuing our work in improving recycling rates by diverting more items through reuse and away from waste. Not only will the shop offer fantastic bargains, but it will also benefit the planet and our environment.”
Councillor Clare Besford, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Stockton-on-Tees Council, said: "We have worked in partnership with SUEZ for almost 25 years to provide a household waste recycling centre for our residents and are pleased this partnership has now been extended to 2031, helping us to work towards our targets to increase recycling rates in the Borough, help the environment and save money in the long term.
“We are also excited to be able to offer a Re-use shop to residents in the near future, allowing the repurposing of items which otherwise would have been disposed of.”
Do you have quality pre-loved goods that deserve a second life? The HWRC is now segregating items for resale in the new reuse shop. Bring your items on your next visit and speak to a member of staff to learn how they can find a new home while supporting sustainability in the community.