If you have good quality reusable

• clothing, shoes and accessories;
• books and toys;
• kitchenware and ornaments;
• bedding and soft furnishings and
• videos, DVD’s and computer games

don’t throw them away, donate them to your local charity shop, where they will be sold on for further reuse.

By donating to your local charity shop, you will not only be reducing the amount of waste going to landfill but you will be supporting a good cause of your choice.

Before donating items please check that they are safe, clean and in good condition. Check that books are not missing pages or chapters; games or puzzles have the required pieces and that clothing and soft furnishings are clean.

Some charity shops also specialise in vintage clothing, bridal wear, books, furniture and electrical appliances.

If you want a change but only have a small budget have a look in your local charity shops they are full of unique, quality one off items that really won’t cost the earth.

To find your nearest favourite charity shop either visit www.charityshops.org.uk/findashop alternatively look under ‘Charity shops’ in your local yellow pages or visit you high street.

Reusing and recycling small electricals

This years theme of national recycle week is reusing and recycling your small electricals. Small electricals can be electric toothbrushes, kettles and toasters, electric drills and childrens toys. Reusing small electricals is easy, with a number of charity shops across York and North Yorkshire accepting working small electricals for reuse. The electrical items are PAT tested before being sold in the shop.To find your local charity shop which collects small electricals please check the list at the bottom of the page.

However, if you have broken small electricals, then why not take them to your local household waste recycling centre. These electricals are broken down into the individual components and recycled. If you live in North Yorkshire please visit the County Council website to find your nearest household waste recycling centre which accepts small electricals. Residents in York need to deliver their small electricals to one of the 3 household waste recycling centres located within the City of York. Full details can be found on the City of York Council website.