Region’s first construction materials reuse hub secures six-figure funding

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is investing £100,000 from its £1m Community Environment Fund to establish the region’s inaugural reuse hub.

This initiative, named The Reuse Hub, will offer residents the opportunity to purchase surplus building materials such as bricks, tiles, and flooring, thereby saving money and reducing landfill waste.

Scheduled to open in Wolverhampton later this year, The Reuse Hub is a collaborative effort between The Rebuild Site CIC (Community Interest Company) and Wolverhampton charity All Saints Action Network (ASAN).

Surplus materials from construction sites, builders’ merchants, wholesalers will be made available to small traders, DIY enthusiasts, gardeners, and craftspeople at discounted rates.

Anticipated to divert 600 tonnes of material away from landfills in its inaugural year, The Reuse Hub’s impact is equivalent to the weight of 250 Ozzy the Bulls or 20 West Midlands Metro trams.

The Mayor said: “Growing the circular economy is one of the most effective actions that we can take to reduce waste, protect the environment and achieve our net zero ambitions. It’s fantastic to see for myself how the Reuse Hub, a first for our region, is benefitting from £100,000 from our Community Environment Fund to help extend the life of many hundreds of tonnes of raw materials from the construction sector that would otherwise end up as waste.

“There is also the bonus of saving local people money with the opportunity to buy unwanted bricks, tiles, flooring and other building materials at a significantly lower cost. We’re already seeing the positive impact of the environment funding we’ve made available to support nature projects right across the region. It’s great news that thanks to Commonwealth Games legacy funding, we’re able to support more locally-led schemes like the Reuse Hub that can reduce waste and help make communities more resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change. I look forward to making more funding announcements in the coming weeks and months.”