Did you know that thousands of perfectly usable electrical items end up in landfill every year simply because they’re no longer wanted?

At Community Bees, they’re changing that – one kettle, lamp, radio and iron at a time.

Their Bee Useful project gives unwanted small electrical items a second life. Every donation is checked, safety tested, and either repaired, reused or recycled responsibly. Many items are then made available at affordable prices in the Community Bees Hub & Shop in Clifton Moor, helping local families access everyday essentials without the high price tag. Around half are also passed on free of charge to people who need them most.

But Bee Useful isn’t just about electricals – it’s about people too.

Whether items are donated at the Community Bees Hub & Shop, Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre, or one of their pop-up collection events, every donation helps create opportunities for local volunteers to learn practical skills, build confidence, and gain valuable experience in repair, retail, customer service and sustainability. People who may have been out of work, struggling with confidence, or simply looking for a fresh start become part of a welcoming community while making a real difference.

And that’s what Community Bees has always been about.

Alongside their electrical reuse project, the Community Bees Hub offers support to people across York through its affordable shop, creative workshops, wellbeing activities, and unique wraparound support for people affected by hoarding. They believe everyone deserves kindness, purpose and somewhere they feel they belong.

Every week, the Community Bees team works alongside people living with hoarding disorder, helping them make manageable, lasting changes in a safe and supportive way. Whether it’s practical help in the home, one-to-one encouragement, or ongoing emotional support, they’re there for people at every stage of their journey. It’s compassionate, person-centred support that helps people regain confidence, independence and control over their lives.

So, if you’ve got a working lamp in the loft or a kettle you’ve replaced that’s still in good working order, don’t throw it away.

Community Bees accepts small electrical items (anything smaller than a microwave), and every donation helps reduce waste while supporting local people.

You can drop donations into the Community Bees Hub & Shop at 1 Auster Road, Clifton Moor, York, where you’ll also find affordable household items, furniture, clothing, books, crafts, and plenty of friendly faces.

Whether you’re donating, shopping, volunteering or simply popping in for a chat, you’ll be helping build a community where people – and the things they own – are given a second chance.

Community Bees Hub & Shop, 1 Auster Road, Clifton Moor, York

To find out more about the Bee Useful project, upcoming pop-up donation events, or the support Community Bees offers, visit: www.communitybees.co.uk.