Reuse

Online reuse networks

Find out about local reuse networks in London and in minutes you could be passing on your unwanted sofa to another person in your local community or getting an unwanted guitar from someone for free.

Perhaps the best-known network is www.freecycle.org. Freecycle is a not-for-profit movement that helps find new uses for unwanted items. People can join free of charge by signing up to an email list. They then receive email notifications of items being offered or sought. The main rule is that everything ‘posted’ to the group – offered or wanted – must be free.

There are 39 Freecycle groups operating in London, with a total of over 320,000 members.

Other networks such as Freegle and Freegive do the same thing so check them out too.

Furniture

If you have unwanted furniture try selling it through private ads, online auctions or taking it to a car boot sale.

Many charities in London take furniture donations and some even collect from your doorstep.

Clothes swapping parties 'swishing'

Swishing is swapping clothes amongst friends, colleagues or any other like-minded fashion lovers who want to re-use clothes in the name of having fun and helping the environment.

Swishers get together and bring along items they no longer have use for. In return they can take away other items for free. The items simply need to be clean, in good condition and something that you are proud to hand on.

Throw your own?

If you like the sound of that, why not throw your own party at home or at work? www.swishing.com has lots of information to help you plan and run your own Swishing party.

Computers

If still in good working order, old computers can benefit others. A number of organisations in London will take old computers and IT equipment, clean it, refurbish it and pass it on to charities or others who may not be able to afford a new computer. Some also use them to teach IT skills within different communities across London.

If your computer is no longer working or good enough for reuse and you are buying a new one make sure you ask your retailer if they have a take-back scheme. If not you can recycle it at your local reuse and recycling centre.

Check out the following websites to find out how you can recycle your old computer: Computer Aid, Recycle-IT, or TBC Recycler and Auctioneers

Mobile phones

It is currently estimated that as many as 15 million old mobile phones lie redundant in UK businesses and homes. As they contain toxic components, including the LCD screen and rechargeable battery, it is important that they are reused or recycled.

Many charities and supermarkets will accept mobile phones for reuse. If you have an unwanted mobile phone, find out if your favourite charity will take it to raise money for the charity, or check out the fonesforsafety® and Simply Drop schemes:

fonesforsafety® is a London based charity that takes donated mobile phones and delivers reconfigured 999-only mobile phone alarms to victims of domestic violence. Simply Drop: Get cash or a donation to charity for your old mobile phone, MP3 player or digital camera. There are a host of commercial organisations that will recycle your phone and make a contribution to charity, such as Each One Counts - www.eachonecounts.co.uk - which also takes many different types of printer cartridge.

Car boot sales

The great British car boot sale isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about recycling. But consider how the huge volume of items that are bought and sold at the average boot sale would otherwise end up in landfill. And then consider that over 30 car boot sales take place every week in London alone.

That network of thriving boot sales across London offers something for everyone. To the seller, it’s the chance to earn some decent cash for a fun day’s work (average takings at a London car boot pitch are £100). To the buyer, there are bargains galore to be had. To the curious passer by, a local car boot sale is a slice of London life to enjoy in the fresh air - and to the recycling-savvy Londoner, it’s a real working example of how household items can find a new lease of live rather than being chucked in the bin.

To find your nearest car boot sale, visit www.carbootjunction.com

Tips for sellers

Take a good table. Wallpapering tables are perfect. Some car boot sales will rent you one for a small fee. Find a good spot. The best way to do so is to get to the boot sale in plenty of time to set up. Give your items a good clean before you set off. Have prices in mind for your items. Be realistic, though – the essence of the car boot sale is cheap and cheerful pricing. Arrive with plenty of change and a secure pot to keep your money in.

Tips for buyers

Get there early for the best items. That said, you can often get your best deals in the last hour of the day when sellers want to shift what’s left.

Charity shops

London has several hundred charity shops, which have become a popular option during the recent financial gloom as everyone hunts for a bargain. As well as stocking furniture, books, and music, they can be fantastic for second hand and vintage clothing. Before you remortgage your house to get the latest in designer looks, remember that London’s charity shops might just have what you’re looking for. By giving charity shops a chance with donations and purchases you’re easing the landfill burden, reducing the effects of disposable fashion and giving something back to your city.

Find out what you can
recycle at home
Find out what you can
recycle out and about