About one million items originally discarded at recycling centres in Devon have been repurposed and reused, bosses have said.

Devon County Council said there were 18 reuse shops in Devon’s 19 recycling centres, and they sold reconditioned items which included furniture, televisions, bicycles, gardening equipment, books and tools.

Bosses said more than 10,000 tonnes of discarded items had been diverted for reuse since 2012 in Devon.

The council said SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, which run the county’s recycling centres and reuse shops, estimated it had sold about one million items since 2012.

The council added the sale of reused items had a positive environmental impact and provided affordable items to communities.

Since new items of furniture and other items normally contribute to climate change through emissions produced from manufacturing, enabling people to purchase pre-loved items helps to reduce their carbon footprint.