Instrument Take-Back and Circular Responsibility Scheme

John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. (JHS)

Last updated: November 2025

1. Purpose

John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. (JHS) is committed to reducing the environmental impact of musical instrument production, distribution, and use.

The JHS Instrument Take-Back Scheme encourages the responsible return, reuse, and recycling of instruments and accessories.

Our objectives are to:
– Extend the lifespan of musical instruments through repair and refurbishment.
– Prevent waste by reusing components and recycling materials responsibly.
– Promote a circular economy within the musical instrument industry.

2. Scope

This scheme applies to all products sold by JHS or Ivor Mairants Musicentre only, including:

Electric string, fretted, keyed, percussion or brass & woodwind musical instruments.
Both retail customers and trade partners are eligible to participate.

3. How the Scheme Works

Step 1 – Customer Return
Customers may return unwanted or end-of-life instruments to participating JHS retailers or end consumers. Returns can be made:
– When purchasing a new instrument (trade-in), or
– As a standalone take-back for recycling or donation.

All returns should be sent or delivered to:
Customer Take Back Scheme
John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.
Salem House, Parkinson Approach
Garforth, West Yorkshire, LS25 2HR

Step 2 – Retailer Collection and Sorting
Returned instruments are assessed by retailers and sorted into:
1. Refurbishable: Instruments suitable for repair or restoration.
2. Reusable Parts: Items that can be dismantled for components.
3. Recyclable/Disposal: Non-repairable items handled by approved recycling partners.

Step 3 – Wholesaler Coordination (JHS Role)
JHS does manage:
– Repair and refurbishment through certified workshops.
– Recycling partnerships for disposal of unusable materials.
Refurbished instruments are either re-sold as JHS Certified Pre-Owned Instruments or donated to schools, community groups, and music charities where appropriate.
JHS does not manage:
– Collections and/or logistics from its retailers or consumers.

Step 4 – Incentives

JHS encourages participation as part of its environmental commitment.
Where appropriate, JHS may offer incentives such as trade-in discounts, store credits, or donation acknowledgements.

Any incentive or reward is at the sole discretion of JHS and not guaranteed.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Customer: Returns unwanted instruments responsibly.
Retailer: Accepts returns, assesses condition, communicates options, and arranges collection.

JHS (Wholesaler): Provides refurbishment and recycling management, reporting, and
communication.

Recycling Partners: Ensure environmentally sound recovery and disposal in compliance with regulations.

6. Environmental and Social Impact

Through this scheme, JHS aims to:
– Reduce waste sent to landfill.
– Reuse materials to minimise resource extraction.

7. Communication and Promotion

JHS, Ivor Mairants Musicentre, and its retail partners will promote the scheme via:
– The JHS website

The initiative will be promoted under the campaign name:
“The JHS Instrument Take-Back Scheme.”

8. Monitoring and Reporting

– Retailers provide quarterly reports on the number and type of items returned.
– JHS tracks refurbishment, recycling, and donation rates.

9. Compliance

The JHS Take-Back Scheme operates in line with:
– UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.
– The Environmental Protection Act 1990.
– Local recycling and waste management guidelines.

10. Review and Continuous Improvement

This scheme will be reviewed annually to identify improvements and expand participation.

JHS welcomes feedback from retailers, customers, and community partners to ensure meaningful impact.

Contact Information
For more information or to participate, please contact:
John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. (JHS)
Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, West Yorkshire, LS25 2HR
JHS Website or sales@jhs.co.uk
0113 286 5381