Gloucestershire charity Emmaus has estimated that it saves more than 130 tonnes of goods from being sent to landfill each year.

The homelessness charity who operate shops in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and Nailsworth are marking Recycle Week.

They have revealed that between July 2018 and June 2019 more than 130 tonnes of furniture was saved from going to rubbish tips thanks to their free collection service.

Items that are collected are then sold in the shops to generate funds for people who have experienced homelessness.

However, the charity have also calculated that it has spent nearly 680 hours on trips to and from the tip for items that are unfit for recycling.

That time could be better spent on initiatives that help the charity's social enterprise and generate funds to run its community home.

Malcolm Pitt, business manager at Emmaus Gloucestershire said: ""We will always be grateful for the support and donations from the local community, but it can be difficult getting people to understand the difference between acceptable donations and rubbish.

"We wanted to take the opportunity of Recycle Week to encourage people to think about what items they are donating to charity.

"If items are damaged, ripped, chipped, or stained, chances are it's not in saleable condition."

Emmaus understand that there will always be an element of waste associated with running a social enterprise that collects and sells second-hand items, the charity wanted to highlight the problem to the public during Recycle Week 2019.

Items Emmaus Gloucestershire can accept include furniture in good condition, wardrobes, drawers, tables, chairs, sofas, bed frames, mattresses, clothing, jewellery, bags, accessories, fridges, freezers, washing machines, small electrical appliances such as microwaves and toasters, TVs with remotes, projectors, DVD players, gaming consoles, stereo and sound equipment, fans, heating and aircon units, vinyl, DVDs/CDs, books, plates, cutlery, household utensils, glassware, ornaments, art work, mirrors, and picture frames.

Items Emmaus Gloucestershire cannot accept include gas appliances, foam backed carpets, items without the relevant fire/safety labels, flatpack furniture, items with missing parts, safety equipment, soft toys and games without CE labels, gas bottles, paint, paraffin, petrol, aerosols or other flammable substances, baby equipment including cots, prams, and car seats or any items that have rips, tears, stains, marks or damage that will make it difficult to sell.

To book a free collection for donated items or to discuss the condition of your donation please call 01452 413 095 or email collections@emmausglos.org.uk.