Recycling Centres (RCs) in Wigan are offering local residents a unique opportunity to have their unwanted garden tools restored and then donated to worthwhile causes.
The Tool Shed Project takes unwanted garden tools and then sends them off to be refurbished at Garth Prison near Leyland. The tools are then restored in workshops in the Prison, helping to equip inmates with skills they can use in the future.
Once fully restored, the shiny new tools are then donated to primary schools, gardening groups and allotment associations in the local area, helping to make gardening accessible to everyone in the community.
Local residents can get rid of their old tools safe in the knowledge that they are supporting people in their area, reducing waste and helping people in prison learn new skills
Barry Elder, Contract Manager, FCC Environment said: “This is a fantastic way for people to get rid of any unwanted tools and find new homes for any rusty rakes, forgotten forks and surplus spades.
“Local residents can get rid of their old tools safe in the knowledge that they are supporting people in their area, reducing waste and helping people in prison learn new skills.”
Tools can be donated at any of Wigan’s RCs at Kirklees, Slag Lane and Chanters Industrial Estate, which are run by FCC Environment on behalf of Wigan Council.
The scheme has been extremely popular since launching back in April, with more than 300 tools donated so far.
If you are part of a community group or school that is on the hunt for garden tools, register at www.conservationfoundation.co.uk to find out when the next community giveaway is.