Residents with furniture too good to throw are now able to ensure it gets a...

Published: 10:28 am October 29, 2022
Updated: 7:34 am October 8, 2025
Dedicated Furniture Reuse Container Opens At Tovil Household Waste Recycling Centre
Residents with furniture too good to throw are now able to ensure it gets a
new lease of life with a dedicated ‘reuse container’.
Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Waste Recycling Centre at Tovil,
managed on behalf of KCC by Commercial Services Group, has delivered the
initiative in partnership with charity Making a Difference to Maidstone
(MADM).
Left to right Kirsty Bareham, KCC Waste Business Development Officer;
Julian, Commercial Services Group; Amanda, Founder, MADM; Julien MADM;
Ashley MADM.
The reuse container opened this week and will initially be trialled for six
months. During this time, people can bring their unwanted and reusable
furniture such as chairs, tables, wardrobes and bookcases.
Furniture will then be sold in MADM’s shops to raise money for their
outreach work, and some will be gifted to local residents in crisis.
MADM works with clients based on referrals from social services, probation,
housing associations, community wardens, Kent Police, local councils,
churches and others.
They provide furniture, along with other items, as well as advocacy, a
listening ear, prayer, volunteering opportunities and practical help.
*KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey*, said: “Like so many of
our environment initiatives this trial has multiple benefits. We hope it
will find a new lease of life for furniture that’s still usable, reduce
waste and help a really good cause.
“I’m pleased to be partnering with MADM at the Tovil Household Waste
Recycling Centre (HWRC). Residents can bring their furniture to the HWRC or
MADM may even be able to collect your items for reuse if you’re unable to
transport them to the HWRC.
“This is the first of many reuse activities planned for Kent’s Household
Waste and Recycling Centres. Other opportunities are currently in
development, and I look forward to sharing details shortly.”
*MADM founder, Amanda Sidwell*, said: “MADM is so thrilled and proud to be
partnering with KCC waste management, Tovil Household Waste Recycling
Centre and you, the community.”
A booking system operates at Kent Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Please remember to book your visit in advance at www.kent.gov.uk/waste.

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