Council says it's easier to re-use with Freecycle

Herefordshire Council's waste prevention team is praising members of Freecycle who are reducing the amount of waste being dumped in landfill sites by re-using their goods.

Freecycle members in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are helping to prevent around 500 tonnes of waste each year ending up in landfill sites, according to recent analysis. Hundreds of residents have taken advantage of local Freecycle groups to either re-home unwanted items or to get something for free.

Chris Atkinson, project development officer for re-use said: "Using the Freecycle website is a fantastic and convenient way to find someone who can put your junk to good use. It's really pleasing to see how word is spreading about this site, which is actively supported by Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council.

"Residents who choose to log on and share their items with others are not just doing a good deed, but also helping to reduce the amount of household items being sent to landfill," he added.

Items advertised on the site range from furniture, electrical equipment, fish tanks, rowing machines and pianos to smaller items such as books, tools and clothing. More unusual items can often be seen on the site such as building rubble, timber, cardboard and even plants. The main rule to the website is that everything advertised is free and legal.

To find out more information about Freecycle visit www.freecycle.org

Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council support re-use initiatives as part of their waste prevention strategy. People wanting to find out more about re-use initiatives should call 01905 768883 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk