Bexley’s first Community Reuse Shop selling good quality pre-loved items at affordable prices was officially opened at Foots Cray Reuse and Recycling Centre, DA14 5HS at the end of last week(6 March).

The Reuse Shop offers a sustainable way to shop for affordable goods and for people to donate items that they no longer need but that they don’t want to throw away.

Since opening its doors in December over 2963 items have been reused via the reuse shop, in December and January, weighing in at over 181 tonnes of items that might otherwise have gone to waste. 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr David Leaf said.

Bexley’s Community Reuse Shop offers an affordable and environment friendly alternative for anyone shopping for a bargain.

This fantastic initiative gives residents the opportunity to donate reusable items, helping to reduce waste. It's a practical and meaningful way for people to make a real difference."

A plaque, paid for by donations,  was also unveiled at the Reuse Shop and dedicated to the memory of June Unwin, a much‑loved colleague who spent 27 years in Bexley’s Waste and Recycling service.  June passed away in February 2024 and is remembered with great affection. June’s family and former colleagues along with Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Councillor Richard Diment and Councillor June Slaughter, were present as Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE unveiled the plaque.

The Reuse Shop is located on the left-hand side just before you enter Foots Cray Reuse and Recycling Centre. It is open to both residents and non-residents. There are some parking spaces outside the shop so please do not park in the Reuse and Recycling Centre. Alternatively, you can enter the site and access the Reuse Shop via the pedestrian gate from Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, DA14 5HS.

The shop is open on a Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm. You can check opening times and find out more on Bexley’s Community Reuse Shop page on our website.

Bexley’s Community Reuse Shop is a partnership initiative between LB Bexley, Community Reuse and Countrystyle Recycling Ltd.