How to move useful things on

It's the lazy days of the Aussie Summer. Or so I thought!

I feel like every second person I chat to is cleaning out their home, basement or attic, and that means a lot of furniture, toys, sporting goods and household items are about to become homeless.

I can see why people might put things on the kerb for the 'street fairies' to magically take away. Aside being classified as illegal dumping in many parts of Australia, carrying fines of thousands of dollars, I want to offer a different perspective - as this 'solution' to dealing with unwanted or no longer needed items, can cause issues:

Stuff attracts more stuff

If you put that usable desk innocently and neatly on the kerb, it's almost guaranteed people will start loading their things on top - and they may not have the same good intentions or ability to discern what may be useful and what isn't! 

As the pile grows, this can eventually mean the footpath or driveways can get blocked, and this is especially problematic for the elderly, anyone with a pram or in a wheelchair, for example.

It's also not nice to look at. 

Items are more easily damaged 

When left outdoors; if it rains, items fall over or are subject to the lift of an enthusiastic Doggo marking its territory, they're not going to be useful for anyone.

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I would encourage people to responsibly move anything that is still working on: there are lots of online platforms for this - all of them free! And a few dollars can be made here and there for the eager.

Here are a few suggestions:

Gumtree

A free platform where you can buy and sell, or move things on for free. 

In 2022, Gumtree's Circular Economy Report* found that 85% of Australians saved items from landfill by selling them through circular economy platforms and that Australians can make approximately $6,964 per household from their unwanted items. This has increased from the 2020 Report, which estimated $5,800 worth of goods could be sold. 

Freecycle 

Another website where you can list anything for free, but equally, you can also put up a listing for something you may like, if you're willing to collect it (see my Ask, and you shall free-ceive article).

Facebook

Facebook has its own section called 'Marketplace' where you can list and find items, but also there are local 'Buy Swap Sell' or 'Buy Nothing New Groups' where things can be offloaded. 

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The above can be used for Clothing, which if in good condition, can also be donated to your local Charity Shop, they always need good quality donations - especially men's clothing. 

For electronic items - anything with a battery or cord ('E-waste') always check with your Local Council where you can drop these items, never bin them as these can be hazardous in Council Kerbside bins and a lot of their components are recyclable if disposed of in the correct manner. Many Councils have 'Community Recycling Centres' which can be used for E-waste, chemicals, paint ... 

And lastly, batteries.

A plea from the Waste and Recycling industry - please do not bin these!

They can start fires which are dangerous for people driving the trucks and using the equipment in waste and recycling facilities. Not to mention damaging fleet, equipment and all the recyclables we diligently collected, rinsed and sorted to give a new life.

There are over 4,000 free drop off points for batteries Australia wide, check www.bcycle.com.au to find where you can safely dispose of yours.

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Bel is a circular economist and hence a devoted enthusiast of usable things being given as many lives as possible!

Catch Bel chatting all things household clean up on ABC Radio Gold Coast, with host Bern Young. 

 *https://acehub.org.au/news/trading-in-the-circular-economy-saves-household-items-from-landfill