The Renew Hub: Delivering re-use on an industrial scale

In partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and nine local authorities in Greater Manchester, the Renew Hub, along with three Renew shops, opened in 2021. At more than 5000m², the award winning Renew Hub is the UK’s largest re-use operation, delivering re-use on an industrial scale.

Donation containers for residents to dispose of pre-loved items such as furniture, toys, bikes, white goods, and electrical items were introduced in recycling centres across Greater Manchester. Hundreds of tonnes of items have been donated by residents, which would have otherwise gone to waste. The items are delivered to the Hub, refurbished, and distributed through Renew shops, or online via an eBay page, to be resold to the local community at an affordable price. Since the project started over 130,000 items have been sold at the Renew shops and on the eBay page, this includes bikes, electronic items, furniture and more.

Furniture items are also given freely to a selection of local charities who work with those most in need in the local communities.

The Hub also houses pods with work streams focused on repairing white goods and small electrical appliances, restoring and upcycling of furniture, and bicycle repair and maintenance. These are run in partnership with qualified organisations, who are able to provide workshops and train apprentices and volunteers in these vital skills in the green recovery. More than 20 green jobs have been created so far, with more to come, enhancing social value.

SUEZ manages around 1.1million tonnes of municipal waste every year from over one million households which means that the Renew Hub will make great strides towards creating a true circular economy in Greater Manchester. Re-use plays a central role in the journey towards decarbonisation, and the launch of the Renew Hub will support the city region in meeting its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2038, while also benefiting the community.