East Suffolk Council
Give your unwanted items a new lease of life at upcoming free event
Residents in Leiston are invited to a free swapping event next week as part of East Suffolk Council’s drive to reduce household waste and increase reusing and recycling.
The ‘Give and Take Day’ is taking place on Friday 28 May and will give people an opportunity to swap or donate any unwanted household items, such as furniture, bicycles, textiles, books, toys and games.
The aim of the event is to prevent unnecessary waste by providing people with an alternative option to throwing out items that are unwanted but still in a good condition, rehoming them with others in the community who may have a need for them.
Cllr James Mallinder, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Swapping events are not just good for the environment, they’re good for your bank balance too! By taking steps to reuse and recycle unwanted items instead of creating more waste, we can all help to do our bit for the environment and these small changes will make a big difference over time.”
Organised by East Suffolk Council and East Suffolk Greenprint Forum with the support of East Suffolk Norse and Access Community Trust, the event is part of the Council’s commitment and ongoing work to build the right environment for communities in East Suffolk.
The event takes place at the Community Centre, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, IP16 4JX on Friday 28 May. Those wishing to donate items without taking items away, can do so between 9am – 11am that morning, with people being able to both drop items off and take items away between 11am and 3pm.
All the necessary steps have been taken to ensure the event is Covid-safe and we ask that all participants wear a face covering, unless exempt, and follow the social distancing guidance and directions given by staff. During busy times, there may be some waiting at the entrance if the venue is at full capacity.
The event is for private households only and to ensure everyone benefits, each person can only take away a limited number of items. At the end of the day, any items suitable for upcycling or repurposing will be donated to Access Community Trust to support their work.
Donations of wool, yarn and fabric, which will be offered to the Leiston Yarn Bombing Group, are also welcomed.
And remember, only bring items that are in good enough condition that you would be happy to take home yourself.
This event has now passed.