A CHARITY supplying used furniture and electrical goods to people on low incomes has now prevented hundreds of tonnes of unwanted items being sent to landfill over the years.

The Northallerton-based Richmond and Hambleton Furniture Store has revealed that over the last year alone it sold 1,851 items to 1,058 households across both districts.

That in turn prevented 57.65 tonnes of unwanted items being sent to landfill and saved 62,955 kilos of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the environment.

The figures have been released to mark RHFS’s support of The Reuse Network’s #Every2ndcounts campaign, which is running throughout May.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the 200 charities and social enterprises, which form Reuse, that are working to help the environment by encouraging people to donate unwanted items.

RHFS administrator Natalie Frame said: “Over ten million items are sent to landfill every year but three million of these items could be reused.

“So, through the Richmond and Hambleton Furniture Store we are able to do our own bit for the environment by collecting people’s unwanted furniture and basic electrical white goods.

“But just as importantly we are also helping people in Richmondshire and Hambleton who cannot afford to buy new goods to furnish their homes."

The RHFS operates from Brompton Road, next to to Alpha Dental Centre, and over the road from Asda. The opening hours are Monday 10am to 2pm; Tuesday 10am to 4pm; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 2pm; and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Donations can be dropped off at the store when it is open, or to arrange free collection people can telephone 07801 591581. The collection days are Tuesday and Thursday all day and Wednesday and Friday mornings.

The furniture must be in clean and saleable condition; all upholstered furniture must have the current fire labels attached. All the electrical items must be in working condition and may be tested before collection, but washing machines, dishwashers and cookers are not collected.

For buyers, if they are unable to take their goods with him, deliveries can be made for a small charge.