It's a free-for-all as 25,000 sign up to exchange website Freegle

Published on Saturday 7 November 2009 10:52

IF YOU'VE ever wondered where to go to get hold of a chestnut roaster, a broken washing machine or a walking harness for a cat, then you're in luck.

The latest in a long line of internet success stories, the website Freegle – where users can pick up other people's unwanted items for free – has revealed it now has more than 25,000 subscribers in the Capital.

The website, which works like a cashless version of eBay, has been embraced by those keen to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill, as well as those feeling the pinch during the recession.

Items range from the everyday to the weird and wonderful, with everything from furniture and white goods to pet rodents and out-of-date food being advertised.

The movement, which took off around five years ago in the US with the website Freecycle, has grown steadily in popularity thanks to the economic downturn.

In Edinburgh, the main site Freegle has now spawned offshoots, including a Portobello-based group known as "pBay".

Amanda Vickery, 39, a stay-at-home mum from Currie, has been using Freegle for the past year, offloading unused furniture and baby items. She said: "I like reducing the amount I send to landfill, and it's also nice to be nice.

"I think the recession has probably had a big effect on the number of people using it.

"People can be so appreciative and that gives you a really good feeling.

"I think it can only get more popular and it will become a first port of call for people on a budget. Some of the more popular items are things like sewing machines and washing machines, but I've seen more bizarre things on there like a church pulpit and beer past its use-by date."

The site works by allowing people to advertise for items they want or items they want to get rid off.

Users then e-mail each other and arrange delivery. The site has won the backing of both the city council and recycling groups as Scotland aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Dr Nicki Souter, of Waste Aware Scotland, said: "It's great to see so many people reusing their unwanted items instead of throwing them away.

"Online sites are a great way to find an item you are looking for or find a new home for an unwanted item that you may have. By reusing items, people can help to save the earth's natural resources and reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill."