Freecycle - A different way of diverting waste
The Freecycle Network has 4,770 groups and 6,943,000 members around the world and started in 2003.
Freecycle is an internet network which links people who have household items they don’t want, to people who need them. There is no membership fee and the only ‘rules’ are items have to be legal, appropriate for all ages, and given freely. Freecycle is not just a place to just get something for nothing. It is a place to give or receive what you have and don't need or what you need and don't have - a ‘free cycle of giving’ which keeps household items out of landfills.
Membership of Freecycle UK has reached two million as the public demonstrate their commitment to re-using and recycling household goods rather than dumping them.
People in the Coleraine Triangle area, including many members in Ballymoney have discovered the benefits of using Freecycle, to save money as well as reducing the amount of waste we landfill each year and the local group now has 1242 members.
Anthony from Freecycle in Coleraine said “Popular items are furniture, ‘white’ goods like washing machines, fridges, microwaves, toys, prams, computers, stereos, gardening and DIY tools. Everyone has unwanted possessions lying around and it is very satisfying to pass something on to someone who needs it rather than throw it away.”
Freecycle works for people having a clear-out - if they are getting new furniture, tackling their garage or attic, or have a house to clear. Charity shops can cope with some but perhaps not all unwanted items, making Freecycle an attractive alternative. Some young people on a tight budget have furnished their first home with furniture from Freecycle, and getting some items from Freecycle will make your budget go further.
Anthony said: “Freecycle works because nobody loses. If you have something you no longer need, write a short description and offer it to the group using the simple format which is just like writing an email; then sit back and wait for the enquiries. You decide who to give it to, and they have to collect it. You get a nice feeling about giving something away to someone who will appreciate it, and you get to meet new people.
“The other person gets something they need. We all like to get something for nothing so it’s a win-win situation. The bottom line is we’re trying to keep it out of landfill.”
How do I join?
Ballymoney Borough Council is encouraging people in the community to look at ‘Freecycle’ as a viable alternative to sending waste to landfill. It is potentially a key first stage in the ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ ladder. The first step is for people to check out the Freecycle website at www.uk.freecycle.org
There is a group covering Ballymoney, you can check out the details by clicking on ‘UK Groups’ at the top of the Freecycle homepage.
For information on any aspect of waste management, please feel free to contact Environmental Services on 2766 0257 or email: environmentalservices@ballymoney.gov.uk