Free to collector: new 'Tuesday Tables' scheme to reduce household waste

Devon County Council is encouraging residents to pass on household items instead of disposing of them in a new scheme to reduce waste.

The scheme, called 'Tuesday Tables', will begin on 6 April and continue every Tuesday for the foreseeable future.

To take part, simply put items you no longer use outside your front door. You can make a sign saying 'FREE', or else print one off using the Recycle Devon website.

Make sure nothing is dirty or damaged, or blocking public access on the pavement.

Residents are warned that COVID-19 can spread on hard surfaces, so should make sure to quarantine things to be given away for at least three days.

Catherine Causley, Devon County Council's Re-Use Officer, said: "This is a chance to have a declutter without taking items to the recycling centre and this regular event could save usable items from being recycled and give them a longer life.

"If you are looking for others taking part, to reduce travel & stay local we encourage you to keep to your neighbourhood if at all possible and perhaps walk around where you live as part of your daily exercise.

"We are hoping it will catch on and become something that people will do every Tuesday."

According to figures published by the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Devon sends just 4.2 per cent of waste to landfill, and leads the country in recycling and reduction of waste.