Doncaster community recycling scheme is helping people swap goods they can’t take to the tip

Columnist Kirsty-Jo Muddiman shares her experience of a social distance approved way to have a Spring clear out and get your hands on second hand goods from your neighbours.
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With so many people having a good spring clear-out, and nowhere to take those unwanted items, my community has started to reuse and recycle in a socially distanced way.

Many items have been saved from landfill by posting a picture and location of an unwanted item for people to collect during their daily exercise.

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Garden tools, bikes and toys seem to be a favourite and I’m sure these items, always given for free, have brought joy to those who have received them as well as much needed space to those who are donating.

Selection of recycling.Selection of recycling.
Selection of recycling.

There have also been requests for much-needed tools and goods to which people have replied and shared, given or loaned, again for free.

Saving unnecessary trips to the hardware store or supermarket and saving items from landfill, this community hub of exchange is an amazing development and a really positive aspect of lock-down, may it continue long after the restrictions are lifted!

To donate responsibly:

Post a picture of your item and general location in your community group.

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Invite people interested to direct message you. Choose one person.

Arrange a time for collection and leave the item outside the house.

Remove the post or make it clear your item has gone once it’s been collected.

Just leaving items outside with an open post may encourage more people to leave their house in search of the bargain (which may have already been taken) or leave the house more than necessary.

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Don’t be tempted to leave items out in the street for long periods of time, in the hope that someone will collect it, as this could be classed as fly-tipping and you could be prosecuted.

If you are collecting an item, make sure it’s part of your daily exercise.

What have you got in your pile waiting to go to the tip?

Bikes, tools, wood and building materials could find a new home before the lock-down is over if you are happy to donate responsibly.

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