Re-f-use

Re-f-use Social Enterprise based in the North East. refusedurham.org.uk REFUSE is a social enterprise based in the North East.

Our cafe in Chester le Street is an inclusive, creative space open to all and serving food on a pay as you feel basis. We intercept perfectly edible food that would otherwise not make it to plate and serve it to "feed bellies not bins". As well as the positive environmental impacts of reducing food waste the project also has clear social benefits through operating a Pay-as-you-feel (PAYF) policy.

PAYF offers an alternative to the conventional payment system as there is no price on any produce of the café. It means that customers can pay what they can afford, and those who would find it harder to pay can contribute through washing up or welcoming others. All donations given go back into the community work of REFUSE. We use the cafe and all the events we do as a platform for raising awareness and understanding of food waste and, as part of a network of other organisations like us, are a loud voice for campaigning against it, at every level.

Fancy a Fruit and Veg box, £15 each, available to order *now* for collection tomorrow between 10-2 from the Cafe. Also, ...
05/06/2026

Fancy a Fruit and Veg box, £15 each, available to order *now* for collection tomorrow between 10-2 from the Cafe.
Also, we have smaller Veg boxes or our new Lucky Larder boxes for £5 each which can be now be Pre-Ordered Online or paid for in the Cafe.
Get one to support our work and get creative with a fantastic variety of fruit and veg!
https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/refuse/shop
*Link in our bio for Instagram users

This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the many different ways people contribute to their communities. Volunteering is...
03/06/2026

This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the many different ways people contribute to their communities.

Volunteering is at the heart of what we do and we strongly believe that volunteering should be for everyone. We are committed to creating opportunities that are flexible, welcoming, and supportive which enable volunteers to get the most from their time with us.

From the kitchen to the café floor, we’re proud to create spaces where everyone can contribute in their own way.

We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers to join the team. Find out more about how you can get involved here: https://refusedurham.org.uk/volunteer/

Do you enjoy working with volunteers?We are recruiting a volunteer manager to oversee our volunteering programme at REfU...
02/06/2026

Do you enjoy working with volunteers?
We are recruiting a volunteer manager to oversee our volunteering programme at REfUSE. We are looking for someone who is passionate about community-led activism and wants to support and help our incredible volunteers create meaningful change.
We need someone who thrives in a busy, diverse team of individuals working towards a common goal. They must be able to think quickly, delegate tasks and set priorities to keep things running smoothly.
Interested? Come and join us as our Volunteer Champion.
For details follow this link: https://refusedurham.org.uk/work-with-us/
Please share with your friends!

It is that time of the week again! Order yourself a box full of Fruit and Veg, only £15, available to order *now* for c...
02/06/2026

It is that time of the week again! Order yourself a box full of Fruit and Veg, only £15, available to order *now* for collection Thursday between 2-4. Collect from Refuse Cafe, the Weigh to Shop in Fram or and address in Durham which will be sent on the day.
Help save food from being wasted and support Refuse Cafe in the process!
https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/refuse/shop
*Link in our bio for Instagram users*

Thank you National Lottery! We are celebrating a grant of £274,714 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support o...
27/05/2026

Thank you National Lottery!
We are celebrating a grant of £274,714 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support our volunteering programme over the next three years. The grant will help us provide valuable opportunities for people to volunteer in our café, warehouse and at community events.
As part of the REfUSE family, volunteers can learn new skills, gain confidence, or simply meet new people. In doing so they are often inspired to make changes in their own households, communities and networks.
Over the project period we will provide over 50,000 meals, stop 300 tonnes of food going to waste, and provide opportunities for around 360 volunteers.
We are very grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund in supporting our work and the difference it will make to our work and the lives of others.
Why not come down to the café for a drink, some lunch or piece of cake and see what we get up to? Open Tue to Sat 9.30 to 3pm.
https://refusedurham.org.uk/donate/

WE ARE HIRING!Volunteer Champion. If you’re someone who loves working with people and wants to create change by helping ...
26/05/2026

WE ARE HIRING!
Volunteer Champion. If you’re someone who loves working with people and wants to create change by helping volunteers from all walks of life find a home for their skills and work together towards food system transformation, this role could be a brilliant fit for you.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a busy, diverse team of individuals working towards a common goal. Are you able to think quickly, delegate tasks and set priorities to keep things running smoothly? Do you feel passionate about community-led activism and want to support and help our incredible volunteers create meaningful change? If so, come and join us as a Volunteer Champion.
For details follow this link: https://refusedurham.org.uk/work-with-us/
Please share with your friends!

🌱Tiny worlds in a jar 🌱Drop in to Re-f-use cafe today for a FREE Terranium workshop1 to 2pmCooling ice creams also on of...
26/05/2026

🌱Tiny worlds in a jar 🌱
Drop in to Re-f-use cafe today for a FREE Terranium workshop
1 to 2pm
Cooling ice creams also on offer today along with our usual delicious cakes and lunch menu

Address

143c Front Street, Chester Le Street
Chester-le-Street
DH33AU

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

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