Re-use services

In today's society too many items that have useful life left in them such as mobile phones, carrier bags, electrical goods, clothes and furniture could be used again but end up rotting in landfill sites. However, there are many ways, ranging from the traditional to the modern, that items which have a useful life left in them can be re-used. If you have something that you think is just too good to throw away then why not try one of these alternatives to disposal.

Bag for Life

Most supermarkets now provide re-usable carrier bags or bags for life. These bags can be used again and again and reduce the need to get new carrier bags each time you go shopping. Some supermarkets will give you additional points on your loyalty card each time you re-use a bag so you will be saving money and the environment.

Mobile phones / printer cartridges

Many charities and organisations now accept old mobile phones and/or printer cartridges which helps them to raise funds. These include:

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Local Charity Shops

Traditionally many people donate their clothes and old furniture to charity shops and this still remains a great way of helping your favourite local or national charity. Many shops also take books, games, records & CDs, and bric-a-brac - check with the shop before you visit.

National Charities

Many of the national charities provide a range of ways to help you recycle and re-use goods. Many national charities have recycling information on their websites.

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YMCA

Donations of good quality unwanted or unused pieces of furniture will help finance the YMCA's work with vulnerable and under-supported young people in the local community. If you are moving house, clearing out a garage, changing your colour schemes, or making space, then please consider the West Kent YMCA. To discuss donating quality items visit YMCA (the council is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites) or telephone 01732 367764.

Bridge Trust

A significant proportion of the Bridge Trust's income comes from donations of good quality unwanted furniture and household goods which they sell on to the public. The Bridge Trust charity works to end homelessness in the West Kent area. To discuss donating furniture visit the Bridge Trust (the council is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites) or telephone 01732 365988.

Freecycle

The Freecycle Network is an international movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own areas. By 'recycling' unwanted items, less will end up in landfill. To find your nearest group, visit freecycle (the council is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites)

There are groups in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Chatham and Sevenoaks. The groups are very easy to join. When you want to find a new home for something - whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door - you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of your local Freecycle group.

Small ads section in newspapers

Many local papers have a small ads section at the back where you can sell items that are no longer of use to you.

E-bay

While there are a number of internet auction sites e-bay (the council is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites) is probably the world's most famous website. While not originally set up as an environmental way to recycle waste you may find that other people are willing to pay money for stuff you were planning to throw out. On eBay people buy and sell goods worldwide through an online auction and shopping website. E-bay can be used to sell and buy anything from old text books to bathroom furniture.

Other sites

As well as the main sites Freecycle and e-bay, a number of similar sites have been developed to help people pass on their unwanted goods and save them from landfill. Two such sites are:

  • Free 2 Collect: it's absolutely free to add items, to browse, and to obtain. The only stipulation is that if you find an item you want, you must arrange collection.
  • 2recycle: provides a free and easy-to-use website which enables people to give away their unwanted goods for free to others who would find them useful.
  • Rag and Bone: on this site everything listed is free-of-charge when you collect it but there is a minimal charge to list an item for other people to collect.
  • SnaffleUp: this site allows you to give your unwanted possessions a new lease on life with people who will make good use of them. You offer your recycled goods, free of charge, to help reduce the growing landfill problem.
  • MySkip.com: a virtual skip where you can either rummage or dispose of useful items that might otherwise end up in landfill.

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The council operates a number of collection services for refuse , recycling , green waste and bulky goods . We can also provide you with ideas to help you compost or reduce food waste or re-use other waste. We also provide street cleansing services. Please note that commercial refuse collections operate under a separate arrangement.

An online list is provided to help you recycle, compost or dispose of more than 150 different types of household waste.

Collection services may vary during Easter and Christmas Public Holidays.

Further Information

To contact the Waste Services Team, telephone 01732 876147, e-mail waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk or SMS text message to 07781 482959.

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Last updated: 17/05/10 at 12:25:11
Office use only: 2475/2010-08-30