Redistributed Surplus Furniture

Birmingham City Council has introduced a furniture recycling initiative to combat homelessness and reduce waste. The scheme repurposes unwanted furniture left by council tenants, storing and redistributing it through partners to assist rough sleepers, those in temporary housing, and new council tenants.

Key collaborators, including Trident Reach Cranstoun, OVO Energy, and FRC, have contributed funding, furniture, and temporary housing, while Gillespies provided a storage container for secure item management.

With successful results from the pilot, the council plans to expand storage capacity and partnerships to help more individuals.

“Storing and recycling furniture is a small way to make a big difference for some of Birmingham's most vulnerable people. The recycling scheme not only helps the tenants themselves, but it also reduces costs associated with dealing with void council homes,” said Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness.

Image Credit: Birmingham City Council