The Welsh Governments’ own research shows there is £15 million revenue reuse potential from items taken to the Civic Amenity sites alone in Wales, and £220M in the UK, this surely shouldn’t be allowed on our high streets as it's so easy for people to get into debt.
- Brighthouse cooker
The average household has £6k of debt excluding mortgages. Did you also know that WRAP, the Governments' funded organisation to Prevent Waste, is suggesting we look at Lease and Rental programmes instead of purchases and repairs.
It’s debatable that this is being considered as a solution from a Government Body that is paid by Taxpayers money. Defra fund WRAP, and the document (written by WRAP) where Lease and Alternative ownership models are mentioned as an option, should carry some balance and give consideration to the debt problem. Although it’s fair that WRAP should report the option as one to consider, we think it should be tempered with some caveat about the average debt of a householder. There seems to be a distinct lack of consideration of the Social Value in Waste Prevention and the Safety factor. Consumers could be better advised about safety in repairs as well as the Value-add when Training Budgets are applied to Accredited Repair centres such as proposed by EEESafe. There are distinct improvments on the ROI of the public purse,which will also help more local communities increase their skillsets at the same time and increase their employment opportunities.
We quote from WRAP’s “Understanding Repair Report”
“Instead of seeking an independent repairer for an out-of-warranty repair, the alternative offered by this insurer is for the customer to purchase the Repair & Protect product for a fixed fee (e.g. £120) and the repairs would then be carried out by the manufacturer (or its agent) and would include a one year warranty.” Items like this cooker are being sold for around £100 and in good condition, and additional warranties being made available for a 12 month cover, for a fraction of the £120 cited in the report. The Freezer below could be bought for around £75.
If we prevented more Waste, then more items would be available for people to purchase and the value would likely drop, as would the cost of repairs because we would not have the shortage we are currently experiencing. There is not enough focus on introducing Reuse as early as possible. The Governments' recent consultation on the WEEE Directive itself, focuses mainly on the Producer Compliance Schemes and the Manufacturers. Additionally, if they did focus on our suggestions, then less Waste would reach Landfill but also the potential to reduce the costs of disposal would be enhanced. You could reasonably expect the costs of disposal by the Local Authority would also be reduced, and more items would be available to help.
Even refurbished furniture has a high cost. Many reuse groups in the UK are able to offer this quality at substantially lower costs. The quality of this Sofa is not unusual in a Reuse organisation and usually is offered between £150-£175. Make your own mind up about what we should do.