A Carmarthenshire reuse project has taken on two new recruits thanks to the Work Choice programme.
John Arnold and Alan Davies (pictured) have joined the Gwyn i Wyrdd team at Cross Hands Business Park for a 13-week paid placement.
Unwanted electrical appliances such as electric cookers, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers are repaired, cleaned and then sold on under the Gwyn i Wyrdd project.
As well as promoting repair, reuse and recycling, the scheme provides opportunities for training for people adults with disabilities and individuals seeking work experience and training.
Unwanted appliances are collected from residents for a small charge (£10 for up to 3 appliances)as well as from the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres at Nantycaws and Trostre.
They are then taken to the workshop in Cross Hands where they are repaired and tested to British Standard by qualified EEESafe registered domestic appliance technicians.
The appliances are all PAT tested and come with a 90 day warranty.
John and Alan will receive manual handling training, they will go on a van driving course and undertake a health and safety induction at the HWRC sites.
It is hoped that with their additional help, more appliances can be collected and refurbished. The project is already proving to be successful with 40 tonnes collected in just six months of this year compared to 31 tonnes for all of last year.
Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “People living with a disability and long term health issues can often face complex barriers to finding and retaining work and Work Choice provides advice and support to help them secure successful employment.
“Gwyn i Wyrdd is an excellent project promoting reuse and providing jobs and training for those that need it. It is such a waste to buy something new when it can easily be repaired.”
Gwyn i Wyrdd is working in partnership with ERP (European Recycling Profile) and the council’s waste and recycling section.
For more information or if you have an electrical appliance you no longer want visit the Gwyn i Wyrdd website or call 01269 845685. The project also has a Facebook page.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
