Returbutiken (reuse shop) & Textilservice (sewing service) – part of Viva labour market programme

Returbutiken och Textilservice are two reuse activities that are part of Viva Arbetsmarknad, Umeå’s largest labour market programme. Returbutiken sells reuse products collected from private individuals through Vakin's recycling reception at recycling centres but also directly from private individuals, the municipality, private companies and the police's lost & found department. Textilservice repairs and sews new products from recycled textiles submitted in the same way as to Returbutiken. Textilservice products are sold mainly through Returbutiken but also in libraries and other places. Although both businesses sell reuse products, the main purpose of these is to provide meaningful work training to participants who are outside the labour market. Returbutiken and Textilservice are not expected to carry their own costs or be financially sustainable through the sale of recycled products. Sales cover approximately 1 500 to 2 000 items per day worth 0.6 million € annually.