A new accreditation scheme is aiming to boost standards within the charity shop recycling sector.
The TRUST (Trader Recycling Universal Standard) scheme targets recycling firms who buy items from charity shops which cannot be sold to the public.
The firms allow charities to receive income for goods which would otherwise be thrown away, ensuring they are reused or recycled and do not end up in landfill.
Recyclers applying for TRUST accreditation will now be independently audited to ensure they meet appropriate health and safety, legal, employment and environmental standards.
Charity Retail Association Chief Executive, Robin Osterley, said: “There are many recyclers out there whose business practices are exemplary, but sadly there are also a few who fall short of the standards we would expect.
“This initiative, supported by many of the largest charity retailers and others, will go a long way to ensuring competitive advantage for those who are doing the right thing, and provide comfort for charity retailers that they are dealing with reputable and healthy organisations.”
TRUST has the backing of more than 2,500 charity shops across the UK, and several charities - including the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK - have already indicated that they will only deal with accredited organisations in the future.
It is anticipated that most charity shops will follow suit, meaning accredited recyclers will be the only companies gaining stock from the charity retail sector which collects around 330,000 tonnes of textiles every year.
TRUST Chair and British Heart Foundation Sustainability Manager, David Roman, said: “Charity shops are hugely grateful for the donations we receive, which help fund our vital work.
“We want to ensure those donations are taken care of every step of the way, which is why we extend our duty of care to the recycling merchants we trade with.”
Textile Recycling Association Director, Alan Wheeler, added: “We have for many years had a transparent and robust membership application procedure that has aimed to ensure that only professional businesses that adhere to relevant waste, employment and health and safety laws are afforded membership.
“With the introduction of TRUST, our members will be able to demonstrate this outwardly through this independent audit process.”
TRUST will be non-profit making, with funding for the scheme coming from fees recyclers pay to acquire accreditation. For more information visit www.trustmerchants.org.uk.
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