Coffee shop to open at Tyseley tip

Birmingham can claim what is believed to be a UK-first when a unique coffee shop opens for business this week.

Community Reuse – an organisation specialising in reuse at recycling sites – is launching what it thinks is Britain’s only coffee shop at a tip.

Situated at the Tyseley Household Recycling Centre (HRC) site, the shop opens this Thursday (April 14) and those behind the initiative say it will do much more than offer a quick cuppa to workers and visitors to the site.

The shop will play an important role in changing the old image of a ‘tip’ to dispose of waste into a community hub with a focus on reuse and environmental education.

Community Reuse looks to do great stuff with old things and has taken this concept to new levels by converting an old horsebox into a coffee shop, which has been constructed using as many second-hand materials as possible to demonstrate reuse.

The coffee shop will be open seven days a week. In addition to serving site-users as well as the Reuse Shop visitors, proceeds from the coffee truck will also support the developing range of training and repair services such as bike workshops and upcycling.

Who are the partners behind the coffee house at the tip?

Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company which operates the Tyseley site, and Birmingham City Council have been working in partnership with Community Reuse to enhance reuse in an effort to help reduce waste and give products a new lease of life. This follows the successful launch of the reuse shop at Tyseley in August 2021.

Mark Powell, General Manager at Veolia in Birmingham, said: “Veolia is really excited to support Community Reuse in setting up the first coffee shop at a recycling centre in the UK. Since the Reuse Shop launched in August 2021, it has diverted over 9,000 items for reuse by giving them a second chance in life.

“It’s clear the shop has been a hit with Birmingham residents and continues to grow in popularity. Visitors can now look forward to shopping sustainably whilst enjoying a hot drink.”

Will it help local families in the cost of living crisis?

Steve Bell, from Community Reuse, said: “It’s great to be opening a coffee shop in Tyseley to support the recycling centre and reuse shop. We want to create circular economy hubs at reuse and recycling centres where the public can have items repaired, learn how to repair and browse our shops for good quality reuse items.

“It is all part of developing reuse as the clear priority over recycling and disposal, whilst also supporting low-income families in the community. It’s exciting to work with Veolia and Birmingham City Council to share this opportunity with Birmingham residents.”

Darren Share, Assistant Director for Street Scene at Birmingham City Council, said: “The use of a horsebox as a coffee shop is taking the reuse and repurposing of items to a whole different level.

“It perfectly captures the spirit and essence of what Community Reuse are doing at the Tyseley site and I congratulate everyone involved with the delivery of the idea. I hope the coffee shop is a great success.”

Where can I find Birmingham’s Household Recycling Centres?

The Tyseley HRC is located at James Road. Birmingham’s other HRCs can be found in Lifford Lane, Kings Norton; Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich; Holford Drive, Perry Barr (closed for refurbishment until spring 2023); Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield.

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