B&Q operates a structured community reuse programme that distributes excess stock and unsold items to eligible organisations across the United Kingdom. This initiative is designed to reduce waste while providing valuable resources to local communities, schools, charities, and other non-profit groups. The programme is managed in partnership with Neighbourly, an award-winning platform that connects B&Q stores with local good causes. Through this scheme, participating organisations can request and receive a variety of unsellable products free of charge, subject to availability at individual stores.
The types of organisations eligible for this programme include community garden projects, registered charities, schools and colleges, youth groups such as Scouts and Guides, hospices, preschool groups, and registered childminders. The programme is open to a wide range of community-focused entities, with the primary requirement being that the receiving organisation can make good use of the donated items for their own purposes, rather than reselling them for profit. The stock donated is explicitly not to be re-sold and is subject to what each store has available to donate at any given time.
The items available through the programme vary by location and stock levels, but typically include materials that are no longer suitable for retail sale due to minor damage, being end-of-line, or other reasons. Commonly donated items include plastic plant pots and trays, plants that are past their best, compostable materials, damaged or part-filled cans of paint, white pallets, broken tiles and slabs, ends of wallpaper rolls, and end-of-line stock. In some cases, cuts of timber, slightly damaged tins of paint, and other building materials may also be available. The exact inventory depends entirely on what individual stores have available to donate at any given time, and there is no guarantee of specific items being in stock.
Participation in the programme requires organisations to sign up through the Neighbourly platform. Interested groups should visit the B&Q Community Reuse page on Neighbourly, where they can register their organisation, select their local B&Q store, and indicate the types of items they are interested in receiving. Once registered, organisations will be notified when items become available for collection from their chosen store. It is important to note that the programme is managed at the store level, and each store decides what it can donate based on its current excess stock.
For organisations that may not be familiar with the process, there is an alternative method mentioned in some sources. Eligible groups can contact B&Q head office directly at 0333 014 3098 and ask to be added to the scheme. However, the primary and recommended method is through the Neighbourly platform, which provides a more streamlined and transparent process for both B&Q stores and receiving organisations.
The programme has been operational for several years and has made a significant impact. In the past year alone, B&Q donated over 50,000 products to more than 600 local causes through its Community Re-Use Programme. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also provides essential resources to those who need them most, helping to build stronger communities across the UK.
While the programme offers valuable benefits, there are important limitations and conditions that organisations must understand. First, the availability of items is entirely at the discretion of each individual store and depends on their current stock levels. There is no guarantee that specific items will be available, and organisations may need to be flexible about what they can receive. Second, all donated items must be used for the organisation's own purposes and cannot be resold. This condition ensures that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries directly rather than being converted into cash. Third, the types of items available may change seasonally and based on B&Q's product cycles, so organisations should maintain regular contact with their local store or monitor the Neighbourly platform for updates.
The partnership between B&Q and Neighbourly ensures that the distribution process is fair and targeted towards those who can make the best use of the resources. Neighbourly's platform allows for efficient matching of available stock with registered organisations, making it easier for B&Q stores to connect with local good causes. This systematic approach helps ensure that donations reach a diverse range of community groups, from schools looking for materials for projects to hospices needing items for their facilities.
For schools and educational institutions, this programme can provide materials for art projects, gardening activities, or facility improvements at no cost. Community groups can obtain supplies for renovation projects or regular activities. Charities can access resources to support their operations or distribute to their clients. The flexibility of the programme allows it to serve a broad spectrum of community needs.
Organisations interested in joining should first check their eligibility by reviewing the types of groups accepted, which include community garden projects, registered charities, schools and colleges, community repaint initiatives, youth groups, hospices, preschool groups, and registered childminders. If eligible, they should proceed to register on the Neighbourly platform, select their local B&Q store, and specify their interest in particular types of items. It is advisable to register with multiple nearby stores if possible, to increase the chances of receiving items that match their needs.
The programme represents a practical approach to corporate social responsibility, addressing both environmental concerns through waste reduction and social needs by supporting community organisations. By redirecting unsellable but still usable materials to those who can benefit from them, B&Q creates value from what would otherwise be waste, while strengthening its ties to local communities across the UK.
Conclusion
The B&Q Community Reuse Programme offers a valuable opportunity for eligible UK organisations to obtain free unsold items, ranging from building materials to plants and garden supplies. Managed through the Neighbourly platform, the scheme connects local stores with community groups, charities, and schools, providing access to excess stock that would otherwise go to waste. While availability varies by location and stock levels, the programme has demonstrated significant impact, with thousands of products donated to hundreds of local causes annually. Organisations interested in participating should first confirm their eligibility, then register through Neighbourly to begin receiving notifications about available items from their local B&Q store.