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 plenty of 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, we are encouraging them to please 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.

https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/lets-rethink-bulky-waste-could-you-rehome-or-repair-it-inst

The provenance of his garments is important to Grant. In fact, the provenance of his everything is important. We are meeting in the office of Cookson & Clegg, the Blackburn clothing factory he bought in 2015. Within a few minutes, I’ve learned that the table we’re sitting at came from Freecycle in Crystal Palace, the bookcase from a skip. I suspect these details have always mattered to Grant, 53, who is best known as a judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, but they’re especially pertinent since his book, Less, argues that we should all buy fewer things. Grant is very exercised about this idea, and the book’s affably bossy subtitle is a much better clue to his personal energy than its minimalist title: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish: How Having Fewer, Better Things Can Make Us Happier.

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/may/19/the-retailer-who-wants-us-to-buy-less-patrick-grant-on-his-fight-against-fast-fashion

1. Forget flat-pack furniture

Whilst Ikea is a wonderful company for climate goals, it’s still best to skip flat-pack furniture isles and head instead to your local charity shop, antiques market, or car boot sales. There are also lots of websites like freecycle or Vinterior. Not only will you be giving pre-loved items a second lease of life, but you’ll also be avoiding the ge carbon footprint involved in producing and shipping furniture. Often, older furniture is better made and has more character too, so you’ll be investing in a solid piece that you can admire for years.

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/environment/going-green-present-and-future-danger-caused-by-climate-crisis-5115191

Freecycle, a global network for giving away used goods, is a great place to find secondhand furniture, gadgets, and even clothes – all without spending a penny.

https://www.scotsman.com/business/consumer/quirky-things-try-2025-save-money-bartering-handmade-soap-4962335

Another piece features a Zimmer frame she found in the street.

“It’s classic waste. The NHS gives them out for free and people don’t want a used one. You see them a lot,” she said.

She has also collected items from online sites like eBay and Freecycle.

“It’s incredible what people chuck away.

“I always tell people I’m going to use it in art, and they’re fascinated and pleased. They’re glad it’s being used.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8dm24nyq2qo