What Is Eto?

Canolfan Eto: Diverting Waste, Driving Change

Since its inception three years ago, Canolfan Eto has stood as a cornerstone of sustainability and innovation in Carmarthenshire. As Wales’ first reuse village, the centre has diverted over 80 tonnes of items from landfills this year alone. But its impact goes beyond numbers—it’s about fostering a culture of reuse, repair, and community collaboration.

A Hub for the Circular Economy

At Canolfan Eto, waste isn’t the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of a new one. Through a dedicated reuse workshop, items once destined for landfills are repaired and upcycled. Popular finds include refurbished bikes, toys, and vintage furniture, each carrying a unique story and ready for a second life.

The recently launched online reuse shop, available since January 2024, has extended the centre’s reach, enabling customers to browse and order items online before collecting them in-store. This added convenience underscores Canolfan Eto’s commitment to accessibility and innovation.

Education Meets Engagement

Education is at the heart of Canolfan Eto’s mission. Every Monday and Tuesday, the Education and Events Coordinator welcomes schools to the onsite education workshop. Students not only learn about the circular economy but also engage in hands-on activities like VR simulations. Imagine driving a forklift or sorting materials on a virtual picking line—all from the safety of the classroom. Schools in Carmarthenshire that are eager to participate can email Nick Thomas at nick.thomas@cwmenvironmental.co.uk.

The Café Experience

The village’s newest addition, the café, has quickly become a favourite spot for visitors. Serving both hot and cold food and drinks, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sustainable shopping. Whether grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a meal, the café enhances the visitor experience.

Building a Sustainable Future

The story of Canolfan Eto is still being written. Plans are underway to expand the reuse village and its education centre, broadening its capacity to inspire and educate even more people. Partnerships with local businesses and charities continue to strengthen the community’s sustainability commitment.

Get Involved

Canolfan Eto thrives on the generosity of its donors. By giving your pre-loved items a new home, you’re directly contributing to a greener future. Every bike, toy, or piece of furniture donated helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and keep materials in use for longer.

Donations aside, every visit to Canolfan Eto—whether to shop, enjoy the café, or participate in a workshop—makes a difference. Together, we can champion the principles of the circular economy and build a brighter, more sustainable future.

Quick Facts About Canolfan Eto

What is Canolfan Eto?
Canolfan Eto is Wales’ first reuse village, dedicated to promoting the circular economy by repairing, upcycling, and reselling items that would otherwise go to landfill.

Where is Canolfan Eto located?
You can visit us at:
Canolfan Eto, Nantycaws Recycling Centre, Llanddarog Road, Carmarthen, SA32 8BG.

What are your opening hours?
We are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

What items can I find at Canolfan Eto?
We sell a wide variety of upcycled and refurbished items, including:

• Bikes
• Toys
• Vintage furniture
• Electronics
• Blended paint

Does Canolfan Eto have an online store?
Yes! You can shop online and collect your items in-store. Visit us at www.canolfaneto.com to browse our selection.

Can I donate items to Canolfan Eto?
Absolutely! We encourage donations of pre-loved items that can be repaired or upcycled. Your contributions help us reduce waste and keep valuable materials in use.

Is there a café onsite?
Yes, our café serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks, offering a relaxing spot for visitors to enjoy.

Why is reusing important?
Re-using items saves the energy required to produce new products, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to environmental protection.

What is the goal of the Eto project?
The Eto project aims to create a circular economy in Carmarthenshire by keeping items in use for longer, delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits for the community.

Who funds the Eto project?
The Eto project is funded by the Welsh Government’s Beyond Recycling Strategy, which seeks to reduce waste and establish a circular economy across Wales.

How can schools get involved in educational activities?
Schools in Carmarthenshire can contact Nick Thomas at nick.thomas@cwmenvironmental.co.uk to arrange workshops and VR learning experiences about the circular economy.

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