Take a look inside the Kernow Reuse Shop in Helston
Around 500 tonnes of pre-loved items have been saved from the skips and given a second lease of life thanks to Kernow Reuse Shops.
From the everyday to the extraordinary, more than 100,000 pre-loved items have been sold at the shops, which have been springing up at Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the Duchy over the last 18 months.
Run by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery, which manages Cornwall’s waste on behalf of Cornwall Council, the shops divert items from the waste stream so they can be reused or recycled.
The first shop opened at Truro Household Waste and Recycling Centre in September 2024, and the official launch of the latest shop, Helston, was held on February 4.
You can also find Kernow Reuse shops at St Erth, Bude, St Austell, Truro, Falmouth, United Downs and Launceston, with more due to be up and running in the coming months.
Kernow Reuse shops are in Truro, St Austell, St Erth, Bude, St Austell, Truro, Falmouth, United Downs, Launceston and Helston
The shops stock a variety of items including toys, sports equipment, furniture, homeware and electricals, which are all sold on at affordable prices.
The official opening for the Helston shop took place on February 4, 2026
Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member with responsibility for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “It’s fantastic that so many pre-loved items are being given a new lease of life through the Kernow Reuse Shops. 500 tonnes is a huge milestone and shows just how popular the shops have become.
“It’s brilliant that we now have eight reuse shops across Cornwall and I’m looking forward to seeing more open in the coming months.”
Becky Parry, Renew Manager for SUEZ
Becky Parry, Renew Manager for SUEZ, said: “In just over a year, Kernow Reuse shops are creating new opportunities for reuse, supporting the circular economy, and helping residents save money and reduce waste. Kernow Reuse shops’ success highlights public support for reuse initiatives and shows how reuse can deliver environmental, social and economic benefits to the area.”
Craig Mouatt, Regional Manager for SUEZ, added: “Our mission is to inspire individuals to think about how they consume and reuse resources. It reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, reducing waste, and giving valuable items a second life.”
Press release issued on February 9, 2025