The Big Den reuse shop in Ebbw Vale has officially launched after its first three months of trading diverted more than 23 tonnes of reusable items from the waste stream.
The shop, operated by Wastesavers Charitable Trust in partnership with Blaenau Gwent Council, opened in June alongside the Household Recycling Centre. It allows residents to donate good-quality furniture, household items, toys and other goods for reuse, while offering affordable pre-loved items to the community.
The official launch brought together council representatives, community groups and pupils from Willowtown Primary School. The event included the unveiling of artwork made by local community groups with artist Stephanie Roberts through a BG Arts-supported project, as well as exterior artwork by Tee2Sugars. Pupils also took part in activities about reuse, sustainability and the circular economy.
Profits are reinvested into Wastesavers Charitable Trust’s community initiatives, including a volunteering programme, a real nappy library and recycling and reuse lessons for local schools. Items are also donated to local people and families in need.
Penny Goodwin, CEO of Wastesavers, said: “Although The Big Den has been welcoming customers since June, we wanted to take the opportunity to officially launch the shop and celebrate everything that has been achieved so far.
Diverting 23 tonnes of items in just a few months is a fantastic achievement, but we’re equally proud of the community that’s growing around the shop.
We’d like to thank Blaenau Gwent Council, BG Arts, our volunteers, customers and supporters for helping make The Big Den such a success. We would encourage anyone who hasn’t visited yet to come and see what we have to offer, whether you’re looking for a bargain or have items you’d like to donate.”
Councillor Morgan, Climate Champion for Blaenau Gwent Council, said: “Y Den Mawr is a fantastic partnership project that demonstrates our continued commitment to reducing waste, promoting reuse and protecting our environment. By giving unwanted items a second life, the shop helps support local residents, reduce waste and encourage more sustainable lifestyles.
I would like to thank everyone involved in making this project a reality and encourage residents to support the shop by donating and shopping, helping us build a greener Blaenau Gwent together. Thank you also to the Welsh Government, who helped us to bring this project to fruition and provided funding to help make it possible.”
