Wastesavers have been….. environmentalists. Find out more about our story
Our History
We began life in 1985 as a small Friends of the Earth organsiation focussed on reducing waste and ‘saving the planet’. Our chairman David Mayer was one of our founder members and he worked hard to advocate for a world that valued its resources and saw potential in what others might discard. In the early 90’s, we became more proactive as we launched our furniture reuse projects and started collecting old newspapers directly from doorsteps for recycling. We then hand sorted and delivered these papers ourselves to the local paper mill – a reflection of our dedication and our commitment to a greener world.
Our projects began to expand, providing regular collections of paper, cans and tins and glass at the kerbside and in 1998, we recycled 480 tonnes – a huge achievement for a little recycling charity! Today we offer a range of recycling, reuse and waste reduction initiatives and in 2024 22,000 tonnes of recyclables passed through our recycling plant. What once started as a modest endeavour has grown exponentially leading the way with the rising focus on the circular economy.
Our Story
But our story isn’t just about materials; it’s about people. Our reuse shops and hubs, along with our vibrant volunteer programme, welcome those seeking a sense of belonging, a fresh start, or simply a place to call their own. In 2004, and as a result of our move to our Resource Centre under the Transporter Bridge in Newport, we started our PEAK programme, working with those finding it hard in mainstream education. This provides vocational skills and opportunities for children who need an alternative path.
Our story is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of people and the planet.
Group of like minded environmentalists decide to do start a campaigning group to do something to ‘save the planet’.
Started collecting paper from kerbside – Started collecting paper from businesses – First paid member of staff – Furniture scheme begins
22 tonnes of paper collected from doorsteps and offices.
12 people employed, 3699 domestic items provided for people in need, 28,000 households in Newport covered with a monthly collection of recycling using bags, plus collection of paper from 127 offices, 480 tonnes recycled/reused, turnover £212K
Green box introduced to 10,000 households in partnership with NCBC, 1 x ‘yellow banana’ stillage recycling truck being used, fortnightly collections, 627 tonnes recycled/reused.
Green boxes introduced to 40,000 households, fortnightly collections – 1,759 tonnes recycled/reused.
Blue recycling box introduced, plastic added to collection, weekly collections. 4,557 tonnes recycled/reused. 22 members of staff, new blue recycling stillage vehicles.
rural areas added to collection, move to our purpose built recycling centre on Esperanto Way – 7,244 tonnes recycled/reused.
PEAK opens, Education Room opens, Wastesavers Training begins, 34 members of staff – 8,631 tonnes recycled/reused.
fortnightly collection of refuse launched, 10,438 tonnes reused/recycled
Food waste collection begins – 14,211 tonnes reused/recycled
New Shop ‘Something to Wear’ opens in John Frost square – a 6 month project before the sites demolition, selling good quality second hand clothes.
E-Inclusion recycling acquired – enabling the group to reuse and recycle IT equipment.
Moved from Community Furniture Shop in Pill to Reuse Centre in Phoenix Park (incorporating E-Inclusion). 180L bin for refuse introduced – 14,896 tonnes reused/recycled, ‘land next door’ acquired for recycling site expansion.
Tip Shop opens in Newport – our first shop at HWRC. Recycling site expanded onto land next door, with new buildings, yard and investment made into recycling plant with new sorting line for cans and plastics.
Paper tonnages start dropping as digital switch really begins to take effect.
The Shed in Llantrisant opens. Cardboard added to Wastesavers weekly collections and a new fleet of Romaquip recycling trucks are purchased. 16,146 tonnes recycled/reused.
Wastesavers Training closes, 18,967 tonnes recycled/reused.
The Shed – Treherbert opens, The Sidings in Maesteg opens. Newport begins roll out of 120L bin for refuse collection. 20,288 tonnes recycled/reused.
The covid years. All staff working increased hours throughout lockdown in tough conditions, 15% increase in material collected at kerbside. Recycling Heroes. All charity staff furloughed, all shops closed for 6 months. Once opened we hit two further lockdowns. Income, tonnage and mental health all affected!
Tentative post covid years – Moved to our forever home – Reuse Centre on Chepstow Road in Maindee, incorporating furniture and IT reuse, repair café and providing home for Makerspace. Nappy Library launched.
New lease of Life in Pentrebach opens, The Den in Roseheyworth Opens, The Cabin in Lamby Way opens, The Steelhouse in New Inn Opens
£5.5m turnover, 120 staff, repair cafes open in Torfaen and Newport, Nappy library launched, Penallta Reuse Shop and The Shed in Aberdare opens. 21,400 tonnes recycled/reused.
Nappy library expanded across South East Wales, 3 weekly refuse collections launched across the Newport. 130 staff, 100+ volunteers, 21,700 tonnes recycled/reused.
expansion of commercial recycling operations begins, rebranding and website launch!
