IT’S great we have an upcycling unit on Teesside. You’ve only got to watch BBC1’s Money for Nothing to see some of the very usable items being chucked into the destructive jaws of the euphemistically named recycling centres.

Just the rare wood furniture alone should be cause for a re-think because woods like teak, mahogany, ebony etc are not only the cause of much environmental damage, but are becoming more expensive. To burn them is sacrilege.

Upcycling centres should be able to vet what is being dumped. They should be expanded to train young people with many of the skills needed which could get them work and business in time.

C Davison, Billingham.