Mid and East Antrim Council is actively involved in various reuse and repair initiatives to promote sustainability and support community action. Here’s an overview of their activities and partnerships:
- Community Repaint Scheme:
- Locations: Waveney Road, Redlands, Sullatober.
- Residents can drop off or collect leftover paint at Repaint Sheds.
- Website: Community Repaint Scheme.
- School Uniform Scheme:
- Provides pre-worn school uniforms to families in need.
- Annual drop-off and collection points announced during the summer.
- Website: School Uniform Scheme.
- Christmas Toy Container Scheme:
- Collaborates with organizations to collect and distribute toys to those in need.
- Annual drop-off locations announced in November.
- Website: Christmas Toy Container Scheme.
- Baby Banks:
- Supports new parents with essential items.
- Locations in Carrickfergus and upcoming in Larne.
- Website: Carrickfergus Baby Bank.
- Refresh Hygiene Store:
- Provides free toiletries, including essentials and luxury items.
- Located at The Sparrow Centre, Ledcom Industrial Estate, Larne.
- Website: Refresh Hygiene Store.
- Community Fridges:
- Platforms for sharing surplus food at various locations.
- Not means-tested, open to all.
- Website: Community Fridges.
- Refillution Scheme:
- Encourages using reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.
- Website: Refillution Scheme.
- Bulk Lift Collections, Re-Use:
- Offers one bulky lift per household per year.
- Good quality items donated to Habitat for Humanity.
- Website: Bulky Lift Request.
- East Belfast Mission (Restore):
- Charity shop in Larne specializing in reusable furniture, bicycles, clothes, and more.
- Website: Restore.
- Winter Coats Project:
- Provides second-hand coats, hats, scarves, and gloves to those in need.
- Donation and distribution events held at St. Cedma’s Church Hall in Larne.
- Website: Winter Coats Project.
- Olio App:
- Local sharing app for passing on unused items.
- Tesco partnership to rescue surplus food.
- Website: Olio App.
- Fair Share:
- UK’s national network redistributing surplus food to charities and community groups.
- Website: FairShare.
- Habitat for Humanity (Restore):
- Sells donated building materials and home improvement items.
- Diverts reusable materials from landfill.
- Website: Habitat for Humanity.
- Reuse IT Scheme (Vyta):
- Refurbishes and sells suitable IT equipment.
- Ensures data removal and refurbishment.
- Website: Vyta.
- Coming Soon:
- Spectacle Reuse Scheme: Collects old spectacles for repair and redistribution.
- CIRCUS Circular Economy and Social Enterprise Programme: Supports social enterprise organizations in innovative circular economy solutions.
