Hannah from Tread Softly transforms unwanted furniture into beautiful one of a kind pieces. Hannah shares her upcycling tips with us on how to get started.
As we are becoming increasingly aware of the need to reuse and recycle, there has been a surge of interest in upcycling furniture. I started my business Tread Softly out of a desire to challenge mass produced consumerism and a throwaway society and to highlight the benefits of upcycling old and unwanted items as well as reducing the amount of mass produced ‘fast’ furniture entering the world.
The best part of it, is that old furniture is often better made than the equivalent flat-packed furniture we get today and with a little bit of time, love and care, you can create a completely unique piece of furniture for your home that no one else will have. I also love that these pieces of furniture have a history of their own and through transforming and updating them we can breathe a new lease of life into them.
The idea of upcycling a piece of furniture can be a bit daunting at first but it’s not so difficult if you follow the steps. I taught myself how to do it and made many mistakes along the way, so hopefully I can save you a bit of time by taking you through the process.
Here is a before and after photo of a coffee table that I upcycled for my lounge. I found it in a charity shop just around the corner from my home.
1. Clean item thoroughly with sugar soap or T.S.P and allow to dry
2. Check for any imperfections – fill any scratches or holes with wood filler and allow to dry
3. Sand item to take sheen off (‘key it’ to allow paint to stick)
Start with 80 grit and then move to a 120 grit.
– Can finish with a 180 grit to really smooth out any scratches from sanding.
(The higher the grit the less rough the sand paper)
– Always sand in the same direction as the grain of the wood
4. Use either a tack cloth or white spirit to remove all the dust created from sanding.
5. Now you are ready to paint!
Most of my furniture features at least some painted element and often I paint the entire piece. I love being able to experiment with colours and geometric shapes to give a dated piece of furniture a new lease of life. Paint is really good at hiding scratches and imperfections that it may have acquired in its previous life. I usually use a good wood paint (just make sure you paint with primer before applying) or Fusion Mineral paints (which do not require primer).
There are loads of gorgeous pieces of wooden furniture just waiting to be rescued from charity shops, so keep an eye out next time you are browsing. And if you feel a bit overwhelmed by taking on a big project then why not try doing some smaller items first such as wooden candle sticks, picture frames, trinket boxes or trays.
If you would love to have a go at upcycling and painting a piece of furniture but feel like you would benefit from some guidance then I run upcycling workshops from the gorgeous Pear Mill in Stockport. At the workshops, I talk you through how to prepare your furniture; from using wood filler to choosing the right sand paper as well as help with paint brush selection and advice on different top coats you can use. I will demonstrate how to use masking tape to create modern geometric designs so that you will leave feeling confident and full of ideas for future upcycling projects.
Hannah’s next workshop is on Friday 28th February and they take place once a month. To book a place and for more information visit www.treadsoftlydesigns.co.uk
Follow on Instagram @treadsoftlyuk
Keep up to date with the latest recycling news as well as lots of handy hints and top tips on how you can waste less and recycle more.
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Use the drop down menus below to find a quick and easy answer to our frequently asked questions.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Tel: 01204 336 632
Email: wasteandrecycling@bolton.gov.uk
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Tel: 01204 336 632
Email: neighbourhoodservicesinbox@bolton.gov.uk
You can also complete the online form.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Email: wasteandrecycling@bolton.gov.uk
Tel: 01204 336 632
You can also complete the online order form or order a new recycling bin orcontainer in person at the One Stop Shop in Bolton Town Hall.
How to order more compostable food bags
When you are running low on liners, please tie an empty liner around the handle of your food waste container or green bin on collection day and the crew will leave you a new roll of liners.
You can also visit the One Stop Shop at Bolton Town Hall or the UCAN centres for replacement rolls of liners.
To find out where your nearest UCAN Centre is visit the Bolton council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
If you just need liners or only need a caddy, you can collect these yourself from:
3 Knowsley Place (opposite Bury Town Hall)
Six Town Housing, 6 Knowsley Place, Bury (liners only)
Customer Support and Collections, Whittaker Street, Radcliffe
Alternatively, attach the yellow tag found towards the end of the roll to your brown food and garden bin. Our collection crew will leave you a new roll.
You can also contact Bury council directly on their website.
If you are ordering a new or replacement brown recycling bin, you can order a caddy and liners at the same time with this online form.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Bury council directly here to request a new or replacement bin.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Bury council directly here to report fly-tipping,
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Bury council directly here to report a missed bin collection.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
When you get to the end of a roll, you’ll find a tag to request a new roll. Attach this tag to your bin handle and the collection crew will leave a new roll.
You can also pick up a new roll of compostable food bags at any Manchester library or request them on the Manchester City council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Manchester City council directly on their website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please visit the Manchester City council website and follow the instructions to report fly-tipping.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Manchester City council directly here.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Food caddy liners can be purchased from a number of outlets in Oldham.
For the list of outlets please visit the Oldham council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Oldham council directly by:
Email: waste@oldham.gov.uk
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Or complete the online form on the Oldham council website.
To report flytipping on council property
Please contact Oldham council directly.
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Or report it online on the Oldham council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Oldham council directly.
Email: waste@oldham.gov.uk
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Complete this online form on the Oldham council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
To request for more compostable food bags, attach the yellow tag found towards the end of the roll to your brown food and garden bin or street food caddy. The collection crew will leave you a new roll or you can collect free compostable liners from any of the libraries in Rochdale.
More information and list of libraries on Rochdale council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or complete the online form on Rochdale council website.
Report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or report it online via the Rochdale council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or complete this online form on Rochdale council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Simply tie an empty liner to the lid of your pink lidded food and garden bin or outdoor food bin and place out for collection as normal. Salford council will deliver some more liners for free.
You can also order more compostable food bags by telephone on 0161 793 2500.
Or complete the online form on the Salford council website.
You can also collect two rolls of kitchen caddy liners, free of charge, from the Gateway centres and other locations across the city. Find your nearest here.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Or order one online on the Salford council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Report it online via the Salford council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Or complete this online form on the Salford council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
A roll of 150 liners is delivered to each Stockport household every year.
If you run out, you can buy them directly from the supplier online or over the telephone on 0844 571 4444.
Most supermarkets now stock compostable liners, just look out for the EN13432 composting association logo to make sure the liners are suitable to be used in your food waste caddy.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Stockport council directly
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Or complete this online form on the Stockport council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Stockport council directly.
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Or complete the online form on the Stockport council website.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Stockport council directly.
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Complete this online form on the Stockport council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
To request for more compostable food bags, tie an empty liner around the handle of your brown food and garden bin and the collection crew will leave you a new roll.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or complete the online form on Tameside council’s website.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or complete this online form on the Tameside council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or report it online via the Tameside council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Trafford council now provides everyone with a year’s supply of compostable food bags.
If you run out of compostable food bags, you can contact Trafford council on 03330 035865 to order more. Trafford council will deliver these to you free of charge.
You can also pick up a roll from any Trafford library.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please complete an online form on Trafford council’s website here.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Trafford council here to report fly-tipping.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Trafford council directly by completing this online form.
For other enquiries please complete the contact form.
If you have any enquiries about your waste and recycling bin collection service, please contact your local council directly.
If you have a complaint about a Recycling Centre, please put your complaint in an email to ContractManagerGM.uk@suez.com
If you have been through the complaints procedure with SUEZ and you are unhappy with the response provided you may wish to escalate your complaint to GMwaste@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
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