Sustainability is becoming a defining motivation for British consumers, with a new report revealing that nearly half of all second-hand buyers now cite environmental concerns as a primary reason for their purchases.
New polling conducted by YouGov on behalf of leading waste management firm FCC Environment highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior. While cost-effectiveness remains the leading driver for buying pre-loved items—cited by 73% of respondents—the number of people shopping second-hand for sustainability reasons has jumped ten percentage points in a single year, rising from 37% in 2025 to 47% today.
The data, set to be presented at this year’s LARAC Conference, suggests that the appetite for circular consumption has become firmly established. Currently, 54% of Britons buy second-hand items at least once every six months. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics; 21% of 18-to-24-year-olds report purchasing second-hand items on a weekly basis, significantly higher than the 4% reported by those over 55.
Despite this enthusiasm, the infrastructure required to support a circular economy faces a persistent awareness gap. While 80% of the public supports the integration of charity reuse shops into every household waste and recycling centre, only 26% of respondents are aware that their local facility offers such a service. Alarmingly, 43% of the public simply do not know whether their local site provides reuse options at all.
“The survey results provide a refreshing insight into the attitudes of younger generations, who are increasingly and consistently embracing climate-conscious choices,” said Cassie Webster, General Manager of Trading, RDF & Reuse UK at FCC Environment. “Local authorities have an opportunity to respond by ensuring the necessary infrastructure, services, and resources are in place to support this growing demand.”
The research also uncovered a “fix-it” gap regarding the repair of damaged goods. While 43% of respondents expressed interest in learning how to repair items—particularly electrical goods, furniture, and garden equipment—there remains a lack of public engagement with professional repair services. Only 23% of those surveyed are likely to visit a repair café in the coming year, with many citing a lack of necessary skills, doubts about the value of the repair, and cost as primary barriers. Furthermore, fewer than one in three respondents had even heard of a repair café prior to taking the survey.
Sarah Moore, presenter of the BBC’s Money for Nothing, emphasized that the desire for a more sustainable lifestyle is widespread but often lacks practical support. “People genuinely want to repair, reuse and give unwanted items a second life,” Moore said. “They care about reducing waste, saving money and making more sustainable choices, but too often they need the right opportunities, knowledge and confidence to take that first step.”
As the UK moves toward a more circular economy, the focus is shifting toward how to convert this rising public consciousness into systemic action. FCC Environment, which currently operates 13 reuse shops across Great Britain, diverts 2,800 tonnes of goods from landfills annually through these channels. However, experts suggest that for reuse to become the default rather than a niche activity, policymakers must improve the visibility of existing services and continue to invest in accessible repair initiatives.
For now, the data indicates that while the public is ready to embrace sustainable living, the bridge between intention and action relies heavily on better communication and more robust local infrastructure. As Webster noted, the goal remains clear: ensuring that the current positive momentum does not falter due to a lack of available options.
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