Finding Free Items In Reading A Guide To Gumtree Freebies And Community Reuse Platforms

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Introduction

For residents and visitors in Reading, UK, multiple platforms exist to find free items and participate in community reuse initiatives. These options include online marketplaces with dedicated freebie sections, council recycling centers with reuse programs, and traditional charity shops. The availability of free items varies across these platforms, with common categories including furniture, electronics, toys, household goods, and clothing.

Online Platforms for Free Items

Gumtree Reading Freebies Section

Gumtree operates as a classified ads platform that includes a dedicated 'Freebies' section where members give away items at no cost. To access this section:

• Users must adjust filters to show free items specifically in Reading
• A free membership is required to contact other members about listings or to create one's own listings
• Basic listings are free to create, though paid options exist to boost visibility
• Members sometimes forget to list items under the 'Freebies' section, so searching with terms like "cushions free" may yield additional results

Examples of free items available through Gumtree in Reading include: - Good condition Lindner piano (collection required) - Cross trainer (may need disassembly due to weight) - Spring double mattress with light yellow marks but clean and in good condition - Free trampoline (requires Allen key for partial dismantling to fit through garden door) - Girls lunch bags in good condition - Small couch previously used in a son's gaming room - Large bundles of jigsaws - Dismantled 6x4 garden shed kept under tarpaulin

LoveJunk

LoveJunk functions as an online marketplace focused on sustainable disposal and reuse. The platform matches individuals with unwanted items to either collectors (who divert waste from landfill for a fee) or reusers (who collect items free of charge).

For those looking to get rid of items: - Visit LoveJunk's homepage and click "Find Your Cheapest Collector" - Create a free listing following the provided instructions - Choose whether to show the item only to collectors (who pay for collection) or to both collectors and reusers - Even if no reuser is found, items can still be disposed of by paying a collector

For those seeking free items: - Register as a ReUser (also known as JunkLovers) on the site or app - Set filters to display items in and around Reading - Contact item owners directly to arrange free collection

Council Recycling Centers with Reuse Programs

Reading council operates two recycling centers with designated reuse sections:

1. Reading site - Smallmead Recycling Centre

   • Address: Island Road, Reading, RG2 0RP
   • Features containers for reusable items and a reuse shop

2. Bracknell site - Longshot Lane Recycling Centre

   • Address: Longshot Lane, Recycling Centre, Bracknell, RG12 1RL
   • Also features containers for reusable items and a reuse shop

Both reuse shops resell donated items in aid of Sue Ryder charity. They accept donations of: - Bicycles - Books - Bric-a-brac - China and crockery - Furniture - Lamps - Pots and pans - Pushchairs, cots, prams - Toys

Furniture Reuse Charity Shops in Reading

Traditional charity shops in Reading accept second-hand furniture donations. Several options include:

1. SARA - Asthma Charity - Second Hand and Used Furniture

   • Address: 16b Richfield Ave, Reading RG1 8EQ
   • Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm, Sundays 11-4
   • Contact number: 07889 732812

2. British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical

   • Address: 26 Oxford Rd, Reading RG1 7LA
   • Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm, Sundays 10am-4pm
   • Contact number: 0118 914 5750

3. Christian Community Action Ministries

   • Address: 79 Northumberland Ave, Reading RG2 7PT
   • Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm, Sundays closed
   • Contact number: 0118 975 9459

Additional Free Items Available

Examples of other free items found through these platforms include:

• Hundreds of four-ring and two-ring binders in excellent condition (collection required)
• Brko four burner gas hob and oven (works but needs cleaning)
• Cuggl Swallow Group 2/3 Car Seat in black, hardly used from a pet-free, smoke-free home
• Assorted puzzles for kids with all pieces included but no boxes
• Gruffalo dominoes and Orchard Toys egg surprise game (complete with all pieces but no boxes)
• Cream 3 seater sofa & 2 armchairs (2 seat cushions have stains)
• Free outdoor cloth hangers (collection from Woodley, RG5)
• Free 2 dining chairs
• M&S Christmas Tree, 6FT, well used but in good condition (collection only)
• Free People Oversized Reggie Blazer in green plaid
• DW8500W silent generator
• Free People Risk Taker Cord Straight Pant
• Black calf length boots with buckle design by Lilley

Alternative Disposal Options

When reuse isn't possible, Reading council offers a bulky waste collection service, and private "man & van" services are also available for item disposal.

Conclusion

Reading residents have multiple options for finding free items and participating in community reuse initiatives. Online platforms like Gumtree and LoveJunk facilitate the exchange of unwanted goods, while council recycling centers and charity shops provide additional avenues for both donating and acquiring items at no cost. These services support sustainability efforts by extending the useful life of items and reducing waste sent to landfill.

Sources

1. LoveJunk and Gumtree Freebies Information
2. Gumtree Freebies Listings
3. Gumtree Freebies in Reading
4. Gumtree Reading Classifieds
5. Gumtree Freebies in Tilehurst