Earth Day 2026: halfway through a £1 million social value mission turning e-waste into opportunity

More than 1,900 families are better off this Earth Day, saving a combined £370,000 thanks to a partnership that is turning the UK’s e-waste problem into a lifeline for households in need. 

At the halfway point of a four-year £1 million social value campaign, Reuse Network and the Appliance Recycling Group are demonstrating how reusable appliances can be redirected into homes where they are urgently needed. 

Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet

The milestone comes during Earth Day as communities worldwide highlight the importance of environmental action. Earth Day 2026’s rallying call, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reflects the growing role of communities in driving meaningful change on the ground. 

It is estimated that 480,000 households across the country are living without one essential large appliance. The impact of living without such appliances is far-reaching, contributing to social isolation, stigma, and added pressure on family life. Without the basics, everyday routines become harder to manage, making it more difficult for households to stay connected to work, school and their communities, while children can miss out on the stability of a well-functioning home. 

Turning e-waste into opportunity

In 2024, Reuse Network and the Appliance Recycling Group set out to tackle both environmental and social challenges by diverting reusable appliances from waste streams and into the hands of people who need them most. Backed by a £1 million commitment in donated appliances by the Appliance Recycling Group, the campaign supports charities across the UK to provide affordable, quality household goods. 

Two years into the campaign, the Appliance Recycling Group has donated over 2,400 reusable appliances to Reuse Network members, including toogoodtowaste, a charity based in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which supports people on low incomes access essential household items at an affordable price.  

Thanks to donated electrical appliances from the Appliance Recycling Group, toogoodtowaste have been able to provide a range of clean, safe, and fully tested appliances to local people. One customer, Mr. Jones (name anonymised), a local resident, shared: “It’s great that I can come to toogoodtowaste to buy a new washing machine for so much cheaper than if I had to go and buy a brand new one and at the same time, I know it’s safe because it’s been tested by their electricians.”  

His experience reflects the wider impact of the campaign, helping individuals and families maintain dignity, independence, and a safe home environment while easing financial pressure. 

As the initiative reaches its halfway point, it shows that tackling e-waste and supporting the people who need it most are not separate ambitions – they are the same one. 

James Farmer, Managing Director of the Appliance Recycling Group, commented:  

“It’s fantastic to see how this commitment has evolved, with the continued support of the Reuse Network and its members. 

At the halfway stage, we are slightly behind where we aimed to be. This is largely due to the cost of living crisis, which means many electrical items are being returned in a more worn condition than usual. Despite this, we remain fully committed to driving the reuse agenda forward. Our persistence in supporting this mission – alongside some truly outstanding charities – will make a meaningful difference to vulnerable communities across the UK. Life is challenging enough without the added burden of unaffordable household essentials. Through this partnership, we are committed to helping bridge that gap and ensure more people have access to the items they need to live with dignity” 

Hannah Jordan, Chief Operations Officer of Reuse Network commented:  

“At Reuse Network, we see first-hand the difference that a single appliance can make. For many of the households our charity members support, it’s not just about having a fridge or a washing machine, it’s about restoring dignity, easing daily pressure, and helping people feel part of their community again. The support from the Appliance Recycling Group has been vital in making this possible, enabling us to get good-quality appliances to the people who need them most. As this year’s Earth Day theme reminds us, real change comes from the choices we make every day, and this partnership shows what’s possible when we look at waste differently and put people at the heart of the solution.” 

Work with us

At the Reuse Network, we work with reuse charities and commercial partners to help alleviate furniture poverty to ensure everyone has a sustainable home. Find out how you can collaborate with us to support our mission.