Recycle with give and take

Want to borrow a ladder or hedge-trimmer, or get some furniture for free? A west London-based website aims to build community spirit in the capital and encourage recycling by listing local people who have goods they will lend out at no charge, or give away.

Streetbank.com details goods available from its members within a mile of your postcode, and can also be used as a noticeboard to request items. So far, its 1,000-plus members have lent each other vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and fancy-dress outfits, and given away unwanted microwaves, sofas and pianos.

There is no charge to join or use Streetbank, but members must list one item they are willing to lend or give away.

Freecycle (freecycle.org) and Freegle (ilovefreegle.org) are established recycling websites for picking up second-hand furniture, electricals and other goods at no cost - or for offloading unwanted items. And while the idea is that users give as well as take, there is no requirement to offer up items. Gumtree.com, which has a specific site for London, also has a “freebies” section.

Households with goods to give away should also consider charity shops. Many shops won’t accept electrical items, but the British Heart Foundation (bhf.org.uk) will even collect certain furniture and electricals from donors’ homes.