The coffee shop launch follows the opening of a reuse shop at the HWRC last August. It is said to be the first in the UK.
The organisation has worked in partnership with Birmingham city council and Veolia, which operates the Tyseley site, to help reduce waste.
Community Reuse aims to change the HWRC from a place for waste disposal into a community hub with a focus on reuse and environmental education.
Coffee shop
The coffee shop, which has been constructed using “as many second-hand materials as possible”, is in a converted old horsebox. It will be open seven days a week.
The proceeds from the coffee truck will support the developing range of training and repair services such as workshops and recycling.
Mark Powell, general manager at Veolia in Birmingham, said: “Veolia is really excited to support Community Reuse in setting up the first coffee shop at a recycling centre in the UK.
“Since the Reuse Shop launched in August 2021, it has diverted over 9,000 items for reuse by giving them a second chance in life. It’s clear the shop has been a hit with Birmingham residents and continues to grow in popularity. Visitors can now look forward to shopping sustainably whilst enjoying a hot drink.”
Circular
Steve Bell from Community Reuse said: “It’s great to be opening a coffee shop in Tyseley to support the recycling centre and reuse shop. We want to create circular economy hubs at reuse and recycling centres where the public can have items repaired, learn how to repair and browse our shops for good quality reuse items.”
Mr Bell explained that this is part of developing reuse as a clear priority over recycling and disposal, whilst also supporting low-income families in the community.
Darren Share, assistant director for Street Scene at Birmingham city council, added that the use of a horsebox as a coffee shop is taking the reuse and repurposing of items to a whole different level.
“It perfectly captures the spirit and essence of what Community Reuse are doing at the Tyseley site and I congratulate everyone involved with the delivery of the idea. I hope the coffee shop is a great success,” he concluded.
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