At Dungate Consultancy, we are proud to have designed the Hub and Spoke model on behalf of the Charity Retail Association (CRA), a pioneering solution aimed at strengthening textile reuse and recycling infrastructure for the charity retail sector. This model is particularly relevant for areas where reuse merchant collections are limited, inconsistent, or environmentally unsustainable — and it gives charities the tools to take control of their textile streams.
Charities already play a powerful role in the UK’s reuse economy, but there is even more potential to lead on circularity. With the right systems and support, charity shops can become key drivers in separating textiles fit for reuse from those that should be recycled — keeping reusable items in circulation longer and ensuring damaged or worn textiles are responsibly diverted from landfill or incineration.
The Hub and Spoke model presents an innovative solution for medium to large charities or regional consortiums who generate enough volume to manage their own operations. Whether using in-house drivers or partnering with local subcontracted “man and van” services, the Hub and Spoke model offers a flexible and sustainable system that puts charities in charge of their own logistics integrating sorting processes — reducing dependency on external reuse collectors, allowing for quick adaptation when market disruptions occur, improve data transparency, and build a more resilient waste and resource management system that is better aligned with Net Zero ambitions.
Any trial of this model will form a core part of the CRA’s pilot programmes, which aims to develop a scalable, practical, and fully trainable approach for sorting in charity retail. As part of this initiative, Dungate Consultancy has developed early-stage training aids for shop teams and warehouse staff — focused on distinguishing textiles suitable for reuse from those that can be recycled. With the right backing, these tools could evolve into fully interactive e-learning or video-based training modules, making them easy to deliver to staff and volunteers and ensuring consistent, repeatable learning across diverse teams.
While current collection services remain stable in many areas, the risk of disruption remains. The Hub and Spoke model is designed to futureproof textile collection strategies, empower charities to become central players in circular resource systems, and ensure sustainable, high-quality outcomes for textile reuse and recycling.
Why Sorting for Reuse and Recycling Benefits Charities
Incorporating a structured sorting process to distinguish between items suitable for reuse and those destined for recycling brings significant benefits for charities operating in the textile sector.
Firstly, separating reuse-grade items from recycling-grade waste enhances environmental outcomes. By preventing worn-out or damaged textiles from being exported under the guise of reuse, charities can ensure they are not unintentionally contributing to global waste issues. Instead, verified recycling-grade items can be directed to responsible recycling streams, such as mechanical or chemical recycling or ethical disposal methods like RDF, reducing the likelihood of illegal dumping abroad.
Secondly, this process strengthens brand integrity. Charities that can demonstrate clear ethical handling of post-consumer goods build greater trust with donors and the public. Transparent sorting safeguards the charity's reputation and aligns with growing public expectations around responsible environmental practices.
Additionally, by improving the consistency and quality of items sold to reuse merchants, charities may unlock stronger resale relationships and potentially higher income per kilogram for reusable stock. This approach also supports data collection for ESG reporting and helps charities take tangible steps towards their net zero commitments.
Ultimately, this process supports circularity while delivering financial, ethical, and reputational benefits for charities of all sizes.
Interested in learning more?
If your organisation is interested in learning more, trialling the model, or supporting the development of sector-wide training tools, please contact Jonathan at the CRA or reach out to Dungate Consultancy. Together, we can build an environmental and operational legacy for the charity retail sector.
Dungate Consultancy
Email: Info@dungateconsultancy.co.uk Website: https://dungateconsultancy.co.uk/
