Reuse Network Social Impact Report 2024
The Reuse Network Social Impact Report 2024 highlights the incredible work of our members across the UK.
Wednesday 22nd January 2025

Posted on the 5th December 2024
Reuse Network, Currys and DHL Supply Chain have been awarded a Gold International Green Apple Environment Award for their joint White Good Returns Scheme, which collects old appliances, refurbishes them, and then donates them to low-income households.
Selected from over 1,200 nominations worldwide, Reuse Network and Currys colleagues picked up the prize at the Kensington Palace award ceremony. The award recognised their collaborative efforts in supporting the reuse of white goods: not only contributing to the reduction of landfill waste, but also helping to make a positive impact on local communities.
The Green Apple Environment Awards recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world. Launched in 1994, The Green Organisation have become well established as one of the most popular environmental campaigns in the world.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The White Goods Return Scheme was set up in 2014 in partnership with Reuse Network, Currys, and DHL Supply Chain, and aims to address the growing waste generated by the disposal of old electrical appliances.
The scheme offers Currys customers the option to have their old appliances collected when purchasing new ones. When a customer’s old appliance is collected, it is returned to a Currys depot, from there, Reuse Network charity members assess the items, and take away those which can be reused. The charities will either refurbish and donate them to those in need or sell them with the proceeds benefiting the charity’s mission.
Promoting Circular Economy and Community Impact
The partnership has also achieved some impressive results. In 2023/24:
The independent judging panel of The Green Apple Awards commented:
“Reuse Network, Currys, and DHL Supply Chain have collaborated on the White Goods Return Scheme, transforming waste into valuable resources by redistributing old appliances to those in need and creating job opportunities for local communities.”
Hannah Jordan, Commercial Manager at Reuse Network adds “What an achievement to receive a Gold at the Green Apple Awards! Our work on the White Goods Return Scheme with Currys and DHL Supply Chain has made an incredible difference to Reuse Network charities UK-wide. From work placements to training opportunities, CO2 savings to supporting low-income households, the impact of this partnership has meant that over 120,000 items have been reused and diverted from landfill to date. Without this relationship, many struggling families would not have access to essential items that many of us take for granted.”
Christopher Brown, Head of Sustainable Operations & Compliance at Currys said:
“We’re delighted to win the Green Apple award. We are passionate about working together with Reuse Network to give unwanted electrical appliances a second life, by turning recycling into re-use. Over the last 10 years we’ve provided quality refurbished products to those in need across the UK, whilst at the same time reduced carbon emissions, and tackled the growing challenge of electrical waste—one appliance at a time.”
This innovative partnership between the charity and commercial sector is a testament to the commitment to a circular economy and the broader social and environmental benefits of reusing and refurbishing electrical goods.
Currys, DHL Supply Chain, and the Reuse Network are working together to identify additional locations where Reuse Network’s charity members can collect items. By expanding the number of collection sites, more charities will be able to access quality items that can be reused and distributed to those in need.
As part of this achievement, Reuse Network, Currys and DHL Supply Chain have been invited to celebrate their success as a Green World Ambassador. This honour includes the publication of their award-winning environmental project in The Green Book, an internationally recognised reference on environmental best practices. Through this publication, the partnership will inspire and guide others worldwide to adopt sustainable solutions.
They are also able to represent their country at the upcoming Green World Environment Awards in New Zealand next year. This international platform brings together the world’s leading innovators in sustainability to exchange ideas and further global environmental stewardship.
About Reuse Network
Reuse Network is the UK’s leading charity network focused on promoting the reuse of furniture and household goods. The network provides support and services to a wide range of reuse charities, helping to reduce waste, support vulnerable communities, and foster environmental sustainability. By working with over 120 partner organizations, Reuse Network plays a critical role in advancing the principles of a circular economy and supporting the environment.
About Currys
Currys helps everyone enjoy amazing technology; however, they choose to shop. Currys’ full range of services and support makes it easy for their customers to discover, choose, afford, recycle, and enjoy the right technology for them, throughout their lives. Currys is the largest retail e-waste recycler in the UK handling around 45% of all retail e-waste.
About DHL Supply Chain
DHL Supply Chain, part of the DHL Group, is the world’s leading logistics provider. Combining management and value-added services with our customised, integrated logistics solutions drives resilience, efficiency, improves quality and creates competitive advantage.
The Reuse Network Social Impact Report 2024 highlights the incredible work of our members across the UK.
Wednesday 22nd January 2025
Reuse Network is calling for greater cross-sector collaboration to boost reuse and tackle some of the country’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Wednesday 22nd January 2025