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Scrapstore


A scrapstore or scrap store is a particular type of organization centered upon the principle of re-use and may be operated as for profit or not for profit. The basic operational principle of all Scrapstores is the same, although their business models may differ significantly. The terms Scrapstore and Creative Reuse can be used interchangeably although Scrapstore is preferred in the UK and Creative Reuse is often used in the USA

Scrapstores operate by taking re-usable, safe, clean waste products (‘scrap’) and re-distributing it. Usually these materials come from local industries and are donated, although there is a cost to the scrapstore in terms of collection and sorting etc. The benefit to the businesses is that they are getting rid of material that they would normally pay to dispose of and that they are seen to play a part in their local community. Being significantly different from scrapyards, the re-use element tends to be dominated by art and craft activities – often aimed at those working with young children - but items may also be used in do-it-yourself or other activities. It is also common for scrapstores to trade in new art and craft products to complement the sale of scrap.

Some scrapstores operate as charities, with the provision of re-use items to local schools and playgroups as their core aim. Others operate as social enterprises, with reduction of landfill and provision of re-use items being part of their triple bottom line and with profit being used to support a charity, or another social aim.

The most visible difference between the two business models is one of access and price structure.

The charitable model as outlined by Children’s Scrapstore tends towards closed membership and restricted access. They are frequently funded, specifically to provide materials to particular groups within their community and access is restricted to these groups. The groups usually pay an annual membership fee, which may fluctuate based on the size and location of the group. They usually then make another volume related payment each time they take away scrap material. Access may be limited to a certain number of visits per month, a certain volume of scrap or there may be limits on particularly desirable items in order to give all members an opportunity to access them.


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