Ensuring high standards in textile recycling and beyond

Next month, together with partners, we will be unveiling a new initiative designed to ensure high standards among recyclers who process the small amount of donated stock that cannot be sold in charity shops.

The scheme will see the launch of a new Trader Recycling Universal Standard (known as TRUST) accreditation scheme with a logo that can be displayed by recyclers. The scheme has been developed by a coalition of charity retailers, textile recyclers, waste reduction charities, academics and auditors to drive up standards in the recycling sector by recognising those recyclers who are meeting the highest standards

To achieve TRUST accreditation, recyclers will need to demonstrate high standards across the following five areas:

  • Health and safety
  • Sound business practice
  • Labour
  • Environment
  • Transport

The TRUST scheme will benefit charity retailers by providing an important means of ensuring that the recyclers they are working with are committed to meeting robust and ethical business standards. In addition, traders who achieve TRUST status will benefit from additional business opportunities as retailers seek to only work with those companies that can demonstrate robust legal compliance and ethical business practices through their TRUST accreditation.

When working with a TRUST accredited recycler, retailers will have added assurance that they are working with companies who invest in their businesses, treat their people well and meet and exceed legal requirements. The TRUST accreditation will be bespoke to the recycling sector rather than being a broader generic scheme.

If you are a charity retailer or recycler and are interested in finding out more about the scheme please do join us at the launch event on Monday 9 September. The event will be a good opportunity to hear from representatives from charity retail and recyclers about what the new scheme means for them. The drinks reception will run from 5pm and 7pm in central London and you welcome to join us for all or part of the evening.

For venue details and to rsvp please send an email to mark@charityretail.org.uk. If you are not able to attend the event, we will of course pass on information from the launch through Charity Retail News and the members’ website.

Jonathan Mail
Head of Public Affairs
Charity Retail Association