Popular mobile reuse station

Pop-up Reuse, a mobile reuse station developed in Stockholm Royal Seaport, has become a success and tours Stockholm on weekends from April through October each year.

In addition to promoting increased reuse, it has enhanced understanding of consumption patterns and environmental impact, while also becoming a meeting place for residents.

Today, far too many things that could be used and bring joy to others are thrown out. Plans to establish a reuse station were therefore included early in the development of Stockholm Royal Seaport.

Innovation procurement

In 2015, the Development Administration and Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, with support from Vinnova, conducted an innovation procurement on how a reuse station could be designed. Two proposals received funding to develop their respective prototypes. One of these was from White Arkitekter, who suggested testing a mobile pop-up solution. The other solution involved a permanent facility that resulted in the reuse centres in Skärholmen and Järva.

For four days, three containers were placed in Stockholm Royal Seaport – one where residents could leave clothes, furniture, and possessions they no longer needed; one where items were sorted and potentially repaired; and one where residents could take items for reuse. A key element of the test was to find out how much of what was handed in could be reused. The test was a success. During the first days, 4,000 people visited the mobile reuse station and more than 70 per cent of what was handed in was put to use again.

Expansion of mobile reuse stations

The successful test of Pop-up Reuse in Stockholm Royal Seaport led to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall developing two sets of mobile reuse stations in the form of two metal containers – one receiving container and one reuse container. Between April and October, Pop-up Reuse is positioned at around 20 locations in the city near pedestrian and cycle paths to avoid increased car traffic. Items for recycling and reuse can be handed in, as well as hazardous waste. A cargo bike is available to borrow for larger items. Items that are primarily reused include clothes, toys, books, household items, rugs and smaller furniture.

Stockholm Vatten och Avfall collaborates with reuse contractors Stadsmissionen and Myrorna, who have priority access to items that can be sold in their shops. Visitors can take items from the findings corner.

Since 2017, Pop-up Reuse has had a total of 437,300 visitors in Stockholm and 41 tonnes of items have been reused. During 2024, Pop-up Reuse came to Stockholm Royal Seaport on four occasions and was visited by a total of 7,620 people, 12,500 items found new owners and 2 tonnes went to reuse.

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Article Published: 17/04/2022 Updated: 18/05/2026