Over 70 million homeware items end up in landfill each year, instead of donating

A collective 70 million homeware items a year go to landfill across the UK (Image: PinPep) Brits throw away a collective 70 million homeware items each year – which could have been donated, sold, or repurposed, a study has found. Research of 2,000 adults found 29 percent admit to throwing their homewares in the bin, rather than finding a way to avoid them going to landfill. And those aged 18 to 35 were most guilty of this (40 percent), compared to just 13 percent of those aged over 65. The survey also revealed 32 percent admit to not knowing where to start when it comes to finding a new home for such belongings – while 45 percent choose not to donate, because they’re not sure anyone else would even want them. But while 77 percent hate the thought of throwing anything away, 49 percent don’t see ‘fast homeware’ as an issue – with only 39 percent viewing it as an environmental problem as much as fast fashion. And just six percent were more concerned about fast homewares than clothes. The study also found 35 percent of those who throw out homeware that still functioned would do so if their tastes had changed. And a quarter would do it if they found their life circumstances had changed, such as downsizing – with a further 24 percent even considering binning an unwanted gift. The research was commissioned by British pottery brand, Denby, as part of its Reloved campaign , helping the nation to find ways to re-use, re-purpose, and re-love its homewares. As part of the campaign, launched in partnership with the housing and homelessness charity Shelter, this autumn people are encouraged to donate pre-loved tableware to charity if it no longer meets their needs, instead of letting it go to landfill. One in three admit they don’t know where to start with re-homing such items (Image: PinPep) On average, adults reckon they have goods worth £91.85 sitting around rarely being used – and across the UK adult population, that adds up to more than £477 million in profit, or money that could have gone to good causes. When it comes to repurposing existing homeware items, one in three are open to giving it a go to extend the life of their belongings. But of those who don’t want to give it a try, 38 percent don’t feel they have the skills or tools to undertake these types of projects, and a third don’t think they’re creative enough. Denby has partnered with broadcaster, Miquita Oliver, to help show people how to avoid their items going to landfill with re-loving tips and ideas. Miquita said: ‘We all have items we’ve bought which we perhaps don’t need or want anymore, but our first port of call for these shouldn’t be the bin. ‘There are so many ways to make sure we’re extending the life of our homewares – from repurposing pieces you love, to finding new, creative uses for broken items. ‘And of course, there’s donating good-quality items to a charity like Shelter – where people can find pieces to re-love, and raise money for an important cause in the process.’ TV presenter, Miquita Oliver, has shared some top tips and ideas for re-purposing homeware goods (Image: PinPep) The average life span for homeware items before they’re binned was also investigated, with sofas being kept for 10 years, cookware for nine – but bedding for only six years. Almost half (48 percent) had previously bought pre-loved homeware items, with 36 percent of those having done so motivated by the desire to be more sustainable, while 39 percent wanted to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Those who donate items that can be resold by Shelter, can claim a thank-you from Denby in the form of a voucher for money off their made-to-last ceramics. Hayley Baddiley, for the pottery brand, added: ‘We all love to pick up a beautiful homeware buy – but it’s important to think about how you’re going to use the item, how long for, and what you’re going to do with it when it no longer suits your needs or style. ‘Depending on the condition of your belongings, there are lots of things that can be done to avoid it going to landfill, from repurposing to recycling and, of course, donating to a charity such as Shelter. ‘It’s also important to think about the purchases you’re making in the first place. ‘We have a ‘buy once, buy well’ mantra, and believe investing in durable, versatile, and beautiful pieces is key – which is why we want to reward people who have avoided sending their tableware to landfill by donating to it Shelter.’