Other household items that can be recycled 

There is so much that can be recycled  

• Bicycles   

  Re-cycle is a scheme that ships used bikes to developing countries, where the local people are taught to repair and maintain them.
  
  At present, you can only live in the Essex area, but there are plans to set up collection points across the country. Phone 01206 382 207 or visit the Re-cycle website for more details.

   

• Furniture and electrical goods 

  Recycling projects are always on the lookout for used furniture and electrical items, such as vacuum cleaners, fridges and cookers, to pass on to low-income families.
  
  Phone London Furniture Reuse Network on 020 7324 4690.

   

• IT recycling 

  Computer Aid is a registered charity that refurbishes IT equipment for reuse in schools, hospitals and community organisations in developing countries. They offer a free decommissioning service to organisations in the United Kingdom for their old IT equipment, empty printer cartridges and old mobile telephones.

  Phone 020 8361 5540 for more details.

   

• Shoes 

  The European Recycling Company operates a network of collection points for second-hand shoes, which are sold on to developing countries and reconditioned before being passed onto local people at affordable prices.

  All shoes, boots or trainers are accepted in any condition. Please phone 0500 827 198 for details.

   

• Spectacles 

  Find a local optician or charity shop, which has a Vision Aid Overseas collection bin. All the old glasses are sent abroad to be reused by people in developing countries.

   

• Textiles  

  Osborne Partnership offers a textile recycling collection service.

  Phone 020 8592 5742 to arrange a collection.

   

• Tools  

  70 local groups renovate hammers, screwdrivers and spanners. All tools in fact, for Third World use through Tools for Self Reliance. To help or donate, telephone 023 8086 9697.

   

• Paint 

  Half-used tins of paint should never be thrown out for the bin men, because they are classified as hazardous waste.

  Paint tins can also be disposed of at Frizlands Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre.