Freegle in Essex

Two smiling women holding shoes and cake moulds to swap.

Monday 4 December 2023

What is Freegle?

Freegle is an online platform with a huge social, economic and environmental benefit - it allows you to give and get items for free in your local community. It's easy to sign up and really simple to use. Best of all though, it's kind to the planet as it can save pre-loved items from going to landfill. These items can range from children's toys, to bicycles, mattresses and furniture.

There are currently 13 local Freegle groups across Essex, with over 90,000 members. In 2022, 408 tonnes of 'stuff' was reused through the platform, saving an estimated 208 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

How does it work?

First of all, find your local Freegle group.

Once signed up:

  • Post a message offering an item
  • Other people will see it and can reply to you
  • Choose who to give it to and arrange collection with them
  • You've decluttered, made someone's day and saved an item from landfill!

You can also search or browse the items offered, or post a request for something that other people might have.

Find out more about reuse options

Find out more about the partnership between Essex County Council and Freegle

Ways to donate your items

What to do with old electricals

How to love your clothes

Search for how and where to dispose of your unwanted items