By encouraging reuse and repair, we contribute to a circular economy that prioritises the longevity of goods over disposal. Avoiding unnecessary waste minimises the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transportation, and disposal processes. Emphasising these principles not only conserves natural resources, but also mitigates pollution and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader global efforts to address climate change and create a more sustainable future.
With their large reach, SBC recognises that Local Authorities play a pivotal role in promoting the reusing, repairing, and avoidance of waste. Various initiatives and policies could include:
School talks and assemblies are regularly delivered on topics including recycling and reducing waste. SBC promotes the reusable nappy, period and incontinence products at various locations and events across the town. The Council also works with Recycle Your Cycle to enable unwanted bicycles to be repaired and saved from being thrown away (linked below). We recycled 167 fly tipped bicycles between Feb 2024- Feb 2025.
In partnership with a host of nappy manufacturers and suppliers to bring the best reusable nappies around. A 15% discount is offered to Hertfordshire residents.
Find out more Herts Reusable Nappy Scheme.
The Hertfordshire Sustainable Families scheme offers an exclusive 15% off reusable incontinence products from selected suppliers to all Hertfordshire residents.
Find out more: Herts Confident Continence Reusable Scheme
SBC is proud to support the Herts Sustainable Periods scheme, which offers an exclusive 15% off reusable period products from selected suppliers to all Hertfordshire residents.
Find out more: Reusable Period Products Scheme.
SBC collects unwanted bikes that have been abandoned or fly tipped which is then collected from us to be taken on for refurbishment. Recycle Your Cycle partners with prisons in the UK and also have a prisoner rehabilitation scheme. As part of this, the charity sets up bicycle repair workshops which helps prisoners to gain new skills and improve employment prospects. The bikes are then donated to partner charities and sold on to make money for that charity.
Between Feb 23 and Feb 24, SBC donated 155 bikes for recycling.
Find out more about the scheme here: Recycle Your Cycle.
SBC has awarded funding to the community repair café project in Bedwell, through the Climate Change Community Fund. Further information: Stevenage Repair Cafe.