SUEZ recently hosted a collaborative workshop at the Renew Hub, bringing together higher education institutions to explore how reuse and circular economy principles can be implemented in practice. Universities and colleges joined the event to share knowledge, gain inspiration, and identify opportunities for scaling waste prevention initiatives. Rhiannon Hunt, Circular Economy Manager, and Sam Hay, Waste and Recycling Officer, attended on behalf of the University of Liverpool.
Behind the scenes at the Renew Hub
The visit began with a tour of the Renew Hub; an impressive facility designed and operated by SUEZ on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, demonstrating how reuse can be delivered at scale. Attendees saw first-hand how donated items move through the process, from collection to refurbishment and redistribution.
SUEZ has established donation points at local recycling centres, encouraging residents to give new life to usable items, from furniture and toys to bicycles and electrical goods. Importantly, staff at these centres are trained to identify and intercept items that might otherwise be discarded, redirecting them into reuse streams.
Once collected, items are carefully assessed, categorised, and, where necessary, repaired or cleaned. All electrical items undergo PAT testing to ensure safety. To manage the wide range of goods received, the Renew Hub operates specialist workshops focused on areas such as appliances, bicycles, and furniture restoration, including reupholstery using reclaimed materials.
Delivering social, environmental, and economic value
Refurbished items are resold at affordable prices through SUEZ’s Renew Shops, while higher-value goods are marketed online. Many items are also donated free of charge to local charities, creating significant social value for the community.
The scale of impact is substantial:
- 135,000 items were diverted from waste in the past year alone
- £600,000 has been generated for charity since the initiative began in 2021
- Provision of training, employment and apprenticeships, addressing the green skills gap
The Renew Hub is a compelling example of how circular economy principles can deliver measurable environmental and societal benefits, while remaining commercially viable.
Circularity in practice
Following the tour, SUEZ presented the Circularity in Practice initiative. Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III and launched at the Renew Hub in March this year, the programme promotes collaboration between organisations to accelerate practical, scalable solutions that keep materials in use and reduce waste.
As a founding member, SUEZ offered further inspiration through creative reuse installations on site. Repurposed shipping containers showcased thoughtfully designed spaces - a stylish bar, a cosy cabin, and a welcoming living room - all created using reclaimed materials sourced from the hub. These projects, designed by students, highlighted the potential for reuse to combine sustainability with creativity.
Another exhibit demonstrated how construction waste, often discarded, can be repurposed. A mock office space illustrated how reclaimed materials could meet high design standards while reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Collaborative workshop
The workshop concluded with an interactive session where universities and colleges shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in waste prevention and reuse. Participants explored opportunities to adopt similar models and discussed how collaboration could accelerate progress.
Key takeaways included:
- The power of collaboration to unlock new opportunities and share resources
- Learning from both successes and challenges across institutions
- The importance of tangible examples, like the Renew Hub, in engaging stakeholders
- Starting small and scaling up, rather than waiting for perfect solutions
Attendees left the workshop inspired, with practical ideas to apply within their own organisations. The event reinforced the role of SUEZ, not just as a waste contractor, but as a strategic partner supporting institutions to better understand their waste streams and develop scalable, cost-effective solutions.
The Renew Hub stands as a powerful demonstration that circularity is not just an ambition, but a practical and achievable reality when organisations work together.
Find out more
For further information about waste and recycling on campus visit our dedicated webpages, or contact the Sustainability Team at sustainability@liverpool.ac.uk.