B&Q trials tool upcycling scheme
B&Q is to trial a tool trade in scheme in which customers will be invited to hand in old or broken garden tools in return for a discount on a replacement.
Over the weekend of 15 and 16 June, the DIY retailer will accept the unwanted tools at six stores in Bristol. The tools will then be refurbished by B&Q and donated to community groups and schools in the area.
Customers will be thanked for their donation by receiving a £10 off voucher when they spend £40 or more on new garden hand tools.
B&Q has partnered with national charity The Conservation Foundation which will help to run the programme.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Now in its 31st year, the charity refurbishes old or broken gardening hand tools helped by prisoners in HM Prisons. The refurbished tools are then given to local community groups.
The scheme is the first of its kind in Bristol and will result in HMP Bristol setting up a new workshop. If the Bristol scheme is successful, the initiative will be considered for a nationwide rollout which will help the Conservation Foundation to establish more workshops in prisons across the UK.
Jim Shields, trades & crafts manager at HMP Edinburgh said: “Tools Shed allows us to strengthen links with the local community whilst allowing prisoners to develop and learn new skills. The prisoners like the scheme. It’s a change and benefits the communities that they come from.”
Commenting on the trial, Matt Sexton, corporate social responsibility director for B&Q said: “This is a very exciting project for B&Q which sees us continue our work in creating a more sustainable business and help our customers create greener homes.
As part of our One Planet Home programme, we are already working on cutting waste from our business with just 9% of waste currently going to landfill. We’re now looking at ways that we can help our customers reduce their waste, by having their unwanted gardening tools upcycled and donated to good causes, ultimately benefiting their local community.”
