Summer clear-out? Donate, repair or recycle

 

Summer often sparks the urge to sort things out, whether it is a packed cupboard, an overflowing garage or a spare room full of forgotten items.

Before you head for the bin, it is worth asking yourself - could it be used again?

Clothes, books, toys, household goods and small electrical items in good condition could all be useful to someone else through charity shops, reuse schemes or community groups, for a list of some local groups that accept pre-loved goods head to out Pass it on webpage.

Even broken items may be worth repairing, and working tech can now be donated at the new drop-off point in Taunton Library, among many others across Somerset – a list can be found on the DonateIT website. If something really has reached the end of its usable life, check whether it can be recycled at home or at a Somerset recycling site.

A little extra thought can cut waste, save resources and help give unwanted items a fresh start.