Bracknell

A Freecycle network has been launched in Bracknell Forest to help residents exchange and recycle unwanted possessions free of charge rather than throw them away.

Local Bracknell volunteers have set up the environmentally-friendly network where residents can exchange or give away possessions they no longer need, but might still be useful to someone else; or find something they do need.

The local network has been running since February and has already got more than 630 members, who have made more than 570 postings which Freecycle believe has diverted 1.5tonnes of waste away from harmful landfill sites.

Bracknell Forest Freecycle is supported by Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s waste and recycling team as it can help divert useful items from being sent to harmful landfill sites.

Freecycle is an international non-profit internet-based organisation where there is only one rule - everything put online must be available for free.

Russell Bryant, who set up Bracknell Forest Freecycle, said: "Freecycle is a great idea and I firmly believe in recycling, so I volunteered to start a group because there wasn’t one in this area. Everyone in the area is welcome to join, including non profit groups like schools and charities.

"We’ve had all manner of things including a three piece suite, story tapes, and computer equipment. So whether it is an old door, a chair, fax machine, gardening tools or construction materials, it is very satisfying to pass something on to someone who needs it.”

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, the Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: "I am very pleased to hear that volunteers have set up a local Freecycle network as it is a great way of getting rid of any items you don't need any more and getting anything you do need, and all with minimum effort."

To join, visit website www.uk.freecycle.org and look for Bracknell in the south east UK listing

Bracknell Forest Borough Council