Hazel from Emmaus Mossley explains why shopping second hand this Christmas is the way to go.
If you’re here and reading this guest blog then you’re sure to know some of the benefits of shopping second hand and reducing your consumption of new products. I want to share with you some of the wider benefits of shopping second hand, and also give you some food for thought in your preparations for this Christmas.
Depending on how you do it, shopping for Christmas – whether it’s decorations, gifts, presents or even food shopping – can become stressful and may cause you guilty feelings as a result of consumption, waste and the big impact on our planet. The climate emergency is causing anxiety for a lot of people and, as a society, there are many issues around how we shop and consume products generally, not least at Christmas.
By choosing to shop second hand first, you are making a conscious decision to support the environment. Your purchases will keep items in use for longer, reduce waste and limit the consumption of fresh resources. The second big benefit of shopping second hand is price. You can bag some fantastic bargains at prices much lower than when they were new, despite little, if any, difference to their quality and function.
The range of pre-loved items available is another reason why you may choose to shop second hand. How else could you find some unique retro baubles or that original first-edition book as a gift for a family member? There are so many places to source fantastic second hand items – whether it be online places such as eBay, Depop or Facebook marketplace, or more traditional outlets such as vintage emporiums, antique stores and my area of expertise, charity shops.
In my role of Retail Manager at the Emmaus Mossley Secondhand Superstore, over recent years I have seen how people from all walks of life have embraced second hand at Christmas time. You really can source a pre-loved Christmas tree, decorations, lights, cards, presents, secret Santa gifts, stocking fillers and vouchers all from charity shops.
Greater Manchester is blessed with so many fantastic charity stores dotted across our city region. When you purchase pre-loved items from these shops, you’re not only keeping items in use for longer, you’re also helping to fund charitable work across all areas of society. Whether it’s homelessness, support for children, help for older people or animal welfare, combating health issues or some other local cause, a pound spent in a charity shop is a pound well spent.
Here at Emmaus Mossley we support 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home, work, training and individual support. All of the funds raised in our Secondhand Superstore goes to support formerly homeless people at the Emmaus Mossley community. We are possibly one of only a few charity shops where the people serving you are the direct beneficiaries of your purchases.
Of course, in the run-up to this Christmas I would love for you to shop with Emmaus Mossley but equally, I’d encourage you to shop second hand and support your local charity shops too. Visit the Charity Retail Association website to find a list of charity shops in your area. Another benefit of shopping second hand from charity shops is that you’re shopping local – reducing emissions from the delivery miles of new products produced in all corners of the globe.
Despite the second lockdown, there are still many ways you can shop secondhand and support your local charities. Check out if they are selling online and, if they offer gift vouchers, purchase some for when charity shops can reopen.
This year, more than others, we know that many people and households may be cutting back on what they usually spend in the run up to Christmas. We want to help everyone get sorted for Christmas without breaking the bank.
In order to minimise risk and not attract a large number of people on a single day, we decided not to have our usual big Christmas launch event. Instead, our original plans were to spread the Christmas sale over multiple weeks, but news of the second lockdown put pay to that.
We now plan to sell much more via our online channels and our eBay Charity Store, offering both delivery and a click and collect service. We know that both Emmaus Bolton and Emmaus Salford are also planning to sell more online during the next few weeks and no doubt many other charity shops too.
Despite all that is going on in the world I do hope you have a good Christmas. If you’d like to find out more and support Emmaus Mossley, please visit our website and call in to our Secondhand Superstore when we’re allowed to reopen.
Post tags: charity Christmas festive reuse secondhand
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.
@RFletcher76 @grind Hi Rebecca, unfortunately compostable pods can't be put in our green food waste bins but they will be great for your own home composting! We have further guidance around coffee pods on our website: recycleforgreatermanchester.c…
🧧 Kung Hei Fat Choy! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing everyone who celebrates a happy Lunar New Year! Don’t forget to check out our guide to help you celebrate the Year of The Rabbit sustainably and safely➡️ recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/XfvcM9WAi1
❌Never put batteries in any of your bins❌ 🔥 They can cause fires if crushed in bin lorries or at the recycling centre when the waste and recycling is being sorted. Check out everything you need to know about recycling batteries👉 recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/He3i9OX9W8
Thinking of a declutter? Check what you chuck with our easy guide: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/Gd71xiPy4t
⚠ Due to an ongoing incident, Chester Road recycling centre is currently closed today, Friday 20th January, until further notice. ⚠ To find your nearest alternative site, please visit: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/e1PZ3ZL2zK
@manguitartech @_justhelping You must be so proud!💚
Is your Christmas tree still sitting in your garden? 👀 Find out how to recycle your tree: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/yhWOkDxzX9
Not only did they help the planet but they raised £78,000 for @StAnnsHospice and other local charities! 💚
They say good things come in trees...🎄 @_justhelping collected 5,000 Christmas trees which have now been chipped and used on the grounds at Wythenshaw Park and Wardley Hall ♻️ pic.twitter.com/w48CG97zpZ
🧧 Lunar New Year is just around the corner! If you’re celebrating or know someone who is, check out our top tips on how to start the Year of The Rabbit sustainably 👉 recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/oO7F140Zhc
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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