At Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company (CFRC), collaboration is at the heart of our efforts to promote sustainability and reduce waste. By forging strategic partnerships, we’ve been able to expand the impact of our eco-friendly initiatives, helping both the environment and our community. Here’s how our partnerships are making a difference.
Improving Mattress Recycling with North Ayrshire Council
In partnership with North Ayrshire Council (NAC), CFRC has significantly enhanced mattress recycling rates across Ayrshire with donation containers at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Mattresses are notoriously challenging to dispose of responsibly, but through this initiative, we’ve developed effective processes to divert them from landfills. Mattresses are deep-cleaned and sanitized to extend their lifespan, preventing disposal due to stains, odors, or damage. Those that can’t be restored are sent to King Size Recycling in Glasgow, where they are dismantled and recycled. This ensures even unusable mattresses stay out of landfills.
In the 2024/2025 period so far, we’ve successfully diverted 1041 mattresses, amounting to approximately 27.5 tonnes of material saved from the landfill. This achievement reduces the environmental burden by over 68.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions, while also setting a standard for sustainable waste management practices. By addressing an often-overlooked waste stream, we’re making strides toward a circular economy where valuable resources are reused rather than discarded.
Making Sustainable Shopping Accessible with PayItMonthly
CFRC believes that sustainable choices should also be affordable. That’s why we’ve partnered with PayItMonthly to offer our customers a 0% finance option when purchasing goods in-store. This flexible payment plan provides an option of purchases to be divided into 4 or 6 monthly instalments, easing the financial burden of larger expenses. It’s ideal for those setting up a new home or refreshing their current space.
By removing barriers to affordability, we’re not only supporting individuals and families but also encouraging a shift toward more sustainable consumption habits. Customers can furnish their homes responsibly while enjoying the convenience of manageable payments—a win-win for both the community and the planet.
The Brotherswood Project
Greenwood Academy launched a student-led initiative, The Brotherswood, in 2017 with funding from Developing the Young Workforce through North Ayrshire Council. The project provides students with items that are in poor condition and might otherwise be discarded. Since its inception, CFRC has donated furniture annually, which students then upcycle, giving the pieces a new lease of life.
Through this initiative, students engage in context-based learning while developing essential skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Additionally, they have the opportunity to earn SQA qualifications, further enhancing their educational experience. The upcycled items are displayed in CFRC’s showroom and sold on behalf of the school, with all proceeds returned to the project to support its ongoing success.
Circular Communities Scotland (CCS)
CFRC has been a member of the Reuse Consortium since 2018, which is a subsidiary of Circular Communities Scotland. CCS represents a thriving network of over 250 charities and social enterprises that support Scotland’s circular economy. Current projects include Reuse Consortium, Share & Repair Network and Affordable Access to Bikes Project.
As a member of the Reuse Consortium, CFRC has been involved in providing high quality reused furniture to North Ayrshire Council’s Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) clients since 2021. This allows clients to choose high-quality reusable items over lower-quality new ones. As a result, they feel more comfortable in their homes. It also helps divert reusable items from landfills.
Nathan’s Wastesavers
Founded in 1903 and is one of the UK’s largest textile recycling companies, with over 300 people sorting, grading and processing over 600 tonnes of textile material every week. They work with national and local charity organisations, local authorities and waste management companies across the UK.
CFRC has partnered with Nathan’s Wastesavers to repurpose or recycle clothing and textile donations collected from clients through our furniture uplift service. Alternatively, customers can drop off clothing items at any time in the clothes bank located outside the main showroom.
Reuse Enterprises
A network of social enterprise organisations and commercial partners who are able to make new and reused items of household furniture and electrical appliances available to low-income households at affordable prices, while also diverting items from the landfill and reducing carbon emissions.
As an approved reuse centre CFRC are audited on a yearly basis by the network ensuring that we are compliant with safety and quality standards, providing customers and suppliers with the confidence to work with CFRC.
Why Partnerships Matter
These partnerships underscore CFRC’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. Whether it’s through innovative recycling projects or accessible finance options, we’re constantly seeking ways to expand our positive influence. By working with like-minded organizations, we’re creating solutions that benefit the environment, reduce waste, and support the well-being of our community.
Together, we’re proving that sustainability is achievable when businesses, councils, and organizations come together with a shared vision. Join us in celebrating these successes and supporting initiatives that make a real difference.