South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are encouraging residents to think twice before booking a bulky waste collection, because that old cupboard, television, table or unwanted bookcase might still have plenty of life left in it.
As part of a new campaign, the councils are highlighting that there are many smart, sustainable – and often free – alternatives to throwing items away. Whether it’s selling, donating, repairing or rehoming, a little extra effort can reduce waste, save money and even help others.
If an item is still usable, before people book a bulky waste collection or take it to a recycling centre, they are encouraged to check to see if they could:
- Freecycle it or give it away on social / community platforms.
- Sell it on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay.
- Donate it: get in touch with local charities or community action groups to check if they collect or accept bulky items in good condition.
- Repair or upcycle it: ask a local repair café or friend for help.
Check with retailers: they should pick up the old electrical item for recycling when they’re dropping off your new one. Local charity shops, repair cafés and community groups across the districts are often happy to take on good quality furniture or help to bring broken items back to life. Residents are encouraged to check locally before deciding to throw anything away.
And if an item doesn’t shift right away, don’t give up! Rehoming things can take a little time, but it’s worth it and it will be helping the community and the planet.
For more information and advice, visit southandvale.gov.uk/reuse.
