News

Dear all

We wanted to share with you a new report that we have published today on our website and LinkedIn channels.

So, if you are thinking about shopping this weekend, why not join in with the Reuse Revolution that we at FCC Environment are championing!

Second-hand surge: record numbers of Brits buying pre-loved items

• 84% of all British adults buy second-hand items, with 55% buying something at least every six months, up from 47% in 2022.
• Brits love a bargain as almost three quarters (72%) buy second-hand items as they view it as being more cost effective.
• ‘Gen-Z’ more likely to visit reuse shops and buy second-hand items than older counterparts (7% and 5% respectively vs 1% and 2% of over 55s)

New polling undertaken by YouGov on behalf of FCC Environment has found that the number of people buying second-hand items has continued to grow over recent years with 84% of respondents buying second-hand items, compared to 75% in 2022.

The poll found that the main reason for people buying second-hand goods was to bag a bargain, as 72% of respondents said it was more ‘cost-effective’ than buying new. The research also revealed generational differences between Brits buying habits, with younger people were more likely to cite sustainability as the main reason for buying second-hand items (46% vs 32%) compared to over 55s.

Despite these differences, overall support for donating and buying second-hand items remained high, with 87% of all respondents stating they donate items to a charity shop of some sort and 58% of respondents who do not have a reuse shop at their local household waste and recycling centre stating they would be more likely to deposit second-hand items if it had a reuse shop.

FCC Environment has reuse shops at 13 household waste recycling centres across Great Britain, with 2,800 tonnes second-hand goods sold each year. The YouGov poll found that 45% of all respondents indicated that they would prefer to be shown how to fix an item, with electrical items (60%), furniture (48%) and garden items (35%) being the items people would prefer to fix.

Commenting on the findings, FCC Environment’s Reuse Development Manager, Toby Goodwin said:

“Reuse shops play a huge role in the local communities that FCC Environment serves. It is vital that unwanted goods and items are conserved for reuse by others to ensure we reduce our waste consumption across the UK and build a stronger, circular economy.

“Goods and items that are reused or repaired help reduce the financial burden on the consumer, particularly those who have struggled with the increased cost-of-living in recent years. It is extremely encouraging to see that so many young adult respondents would consider depositing or buying second-hand items at a reuse store. FCC Environment will continue to champion our local reuse stores and repair cafes across our operational sites.”