Bouncy castle, pole-dancing kit and a garden pond: 10 oddest items brought into Staffordshire recycling depots

A bouncy castle and a pole dancing set are among the most unusual items brought to recycling centres in the West Midlands in recent months.

Staffordshire Council has produced a ‘Top 10’ list of surprising goods brought to its centres across the county as it reminds residents that good-quality items can be reused by the community or sold for good causes.

A set of framed Second World War medals has also been brought into one of the county’s centres, which the recycling team is now trying to reunite with any living relatives of the recipient.

The council said that new homes could be found for all sorts of items through its Rescue Me pop-up charity sale, which last year raised more than £17,000 for local charities and community organisations.

A set of African drums, antique teddy bear and toys and an old telephone set were among other items handed .

Some of the items will be donated to schools, libraries and other community organisations.

Any bikes taken to centres can be refurbished to be used again by county school children, while good-quality furniture and household items can be used by the Care Leavers Hub, which distributes them to care leavers in the county to help them set up in a new home.

Used IT equipment, medical aids and paint are all collected at the HWRCs and reused by charities and across the community.

For all the latest news and Rescue Me events people should follow the team’s Waste Savvy Staffs Facebook page.

Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s fantastic that people are bringing so many items for reuse and recycling to our centres across the county – they can benefit so many people, and we work with a range of organisations to make that happen.

“And of course the team collects some interesting and not so common items which they will keep and direct to the most appropriate place so nothing is wasted.

“We’re also reminding people of our innovative reuse initiatives at our household waste recycling centres. Through reuse of good quality items we can help make a difference in our communities.”

The top 10 unusual items taken to Staffordshire County Council recycling centres

• Pole dancing set
• An illuminated garden pond display
• A set of African drums
• Set of framed Second World War medals
• Antique teddy bear and toys
• Gramophone
• Bouncy castle
• Archer’s bow and arrow set
• Barometer
• Old telephone set