Derry and Strabane Council launches sewing machine collection drive

To mark the 17th year of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), Derry City and Strabane District Council has partnered with the charity Tools for Solidarity to launch a special collection campaign for unwanted sewing machines.

The theme for this year's EWWR is Waste Electronic and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The campaign urges local residents to donate their old, unused, or even broken domestic or industrial sewing machines—treadle or electric—to support families and communities in Africa.

Tools for Solidarity runs three artisan support and training centres in Tanzania targeting women in rural areas, vocational training colleges for young people and people with disabilities. 

Today Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, encouraged people to consider donating their machines, which can be left in to Council recycling centres.

“I’m sure lots of people have old sewing machines sitting in the house that may be broken or have since been upgraded,” he said.

Council Waste and Recycling Officer Julie Hannaway pictured with Stephen Wood and Sue Bamford marking European Week for Waste Reduction.

“The team of volunteers at Tools for Solidarity can give them a new lease of life and turn them into a valuable resource to help improve the lives of families and communities in Tanzania. The sewing machines help people to generate much needed income and really transform their lives. I would really encourage everyone to support this campaign if they can.”

Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer, Julie Hannaway, said: “This is a perfect opportunity to feel good about passing on something valuable that is no longer used. The sewing machines will be used in such a special way again by giving African communities access to equipment that will enable them to provide for themselves and their families.

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“It doesn’t matter if it’s an old, rusty machine that has been in the shed or garage for years or a brand new one that was bought with the best intentions of starting a new hobby, we want them all. Recycling WEEE helps reduce landfill waste and conserve valuable resources, such as metals and rare earth elements.”

Tools for Solidarity accept all sewing machines in any condition from domestic to industrial, treadle to electric. Anyone who has a sewing machine that they would like to donate can take them to any of Council’s Recycling Centres or alternatively they can be collected by telephoning 028 7137 4107.