Donations and Charities Policy

Buildings and Trust – Donations and Charities Policy

1. Introduction

At Buildings and Trust, we are committed to reducing waste and supporting local communities by donating usable items recovered during our building and trust house clearance services. This policy outlines our approach to responsibly redistributing furniture, household goods, clothing, and other items to charitable organizations and those in need.

2. Commitment to Social Responsibility

We believe in:

• Supporting local and national charities through regular donations.
• Reducing landfill waste by ensuring reusable items find a second home.
• Assisting vulnerable individuals and communities by donating essential goods.

3. Types of Items Eligible for Donation

We carefully sort and assess items for donation, prioritizing those in good condition, including:

• Furniture – Sofas, tables, chairs, wardrobes, and beds (meeting fire safety standards).
• Household Goods – Kitchenware, bedding, curtains, and decorative items.
• Clothing and Accessories – Clean, wearable clothes, shoes, and accessories.
• Books and Media – Books, DVDs, CDs, and educational materials.
• Appliances and Electronics – Functional small appliances (e.g., kettles, toasters), subject to safety checks.

4. Partnering with Charities

We collaborate with various organizations, including:

• Homeless shelters and housing charities.
• Community furniture recycling projects.
• Local food banks and crisis support organizations.
• Environmental and sustainability-focused initiatives.

We ensure that all donations align with the requirements of our partner charities and that items are delivered promptly.

5. Donation Process

1. Sorting & Selection – During house clearances, our team identifies items suitable for donation.
2. Quality Checks – Items are assessed for cleanliness, functionality, and compliance with donation guidelines.
3. Distribution – Approved items are delivered to partnered charities or organizations for redistribution.
4. Transparency – We keep records of donations made to ensure accountability and track the impact of our contributions.

6. Ethical and Environmental Considerations

• Items unsuitable for donation (damaged, hazardous, or beyond repair) are recycled or disposed of responsibly.
• We prioritize donations to charities that support low-income families, refugees, elderly individuals, and those in crisis.
• Any data-sensitive items (e.g., personal documents, electronic devices) are securely disposed of or returned to the relevant parties.

7. Public Involvement & Awareness

We encourage our clients to participate in our donation initiatives by:

• Informing them about our charitable partnerships.
• Allowing them to suggest charities for specific donations.
• Offering pick-up services for clients who wish to donate additional items.

8. Compliance and Review

• We comply with relevant regulations, including fire safety standards for furniture and electrical safety checks.
• This policy is reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with our sustainability goals.

For more information or to recommend a charity partnership, please contact buildingsandtrust@gmail.com.