‘Tip Treasures’ reuse shop includes wood products made from ash dieback trees felled by council

Swansea’s favourite re-use shop at Tip Treasures in Llansamlet has been extended and refurbished to include new sections for re-used wood products.

Shoppers heading for the popular venue at Llansamlet Recycling Centre will be able see an extended range of furniture it offers thanks to Welsh Government funding for a new recycling area that re-purposes materials that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Mark Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Improvement and Infrastructure Management, said that since it re-opened as Swansea emerged from the pandemic, Tip Treasures had been hugely-popular.

He said: “Ash dieback is forcing the council, like many others around the UK, to remove trees affected by this invidious disease.

“But some of the trees are getting a new lease of life at Tip Treasures thanks to our team re-using some of the wood to create benches, planters, worktops and table tops for sale at the shop. They are well worth a look.”

Other furniture, including sofas, chairs and tables are also being rescued, refurbished and sold onwards rather than ending up in landfill.

Cllr Thomas said: “The Tip Treasures initiative is a win-win for everyone because we get to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and residents get to secure quality goods at bargain prices.

“At a time when we’re counting down to Cop26, the climate change conference being hosted in Britain later this summer, the people of Swansea are helping us all do our bit by donating items to Tip Treasures.”

Electrical goods on offer also include games consoles, flat screen TVs, vacuum cleaners and power tools, all of which have been reconditioned and PAT tested prior to going on sale.

The shop is open 9.30am to 4.30pm seven days a week and also offers a range of bikes, garden equipment, exercise and sports equipment.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)