About Freeuse
What is Freeuse?
Freeuse Leicestershire is an easy way to give old items a new life, either by giving away items, or taking them. The website offers a simple way for residents in the Leicestershire area to advertise items they no longer want, or pick up items they need, all items are free and the site makes it easy for givers and takers to use.
Why become a Freeuser?
It is estimated that each year the UK population throws away over £5.6 billion worth of good quality reusable items. This waste often goes to landfill, what a waste, it also means we are buying millions of new items, when really perfectly good quality ones are out there for free. This is why Freeuse was set up, offering an easy way for local residents to reuse items and save them from landfill and save their wallets.
How did it all start?
In June 2008 waste management officers from North West Leicestershire District Council developed Freeuse on their Council's own website. The concept of Freeuse was to be free, simple, and easy to use. It proved so popular that other Councils within the partnership wanted to be part of the Freeuse success and so Freeuse has undergone a thorough makeover.
Who owns the site?
The website is owned and operated by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership. The partnership is made up of the seven Leicestershire Districts or Borough Councils and the County Council. As such it is not for profit which means you won't see any annoying advertising pop ups while you enjoy browsing the website.
What's so special about Freeuse?
Freeuse is free to use and it's a simple and easy process for giving or taking items so that they don't end up wasting away in a landfill site. Taking an item is so easy...take a look at the items on offer and then contact the giver direct. Giving an item is also very simple and easy and involves a quick and simple registration process before you list the details. The benefit of registering is that it means we can keep a track of exactly how much reusable waste is being saved from going to the landfill site thanks to all you Freeusers.
I don't like usernames and passwords, I have too many as it is!!!
We know that another username and password is just something else to remember so this is how we've made it really simple and easy:
- Your username must be your email address - that way you're unlikely to forget it
- Registration process only requires you to supply your name and your email address and finally choose a password
- Here's the best bit...you can ask your computer to remember these details so you don't have to retype in your name or password whenever you visit Freeuse
I don't live in Leicestershire. Why doesn't my Council do this?
We are happy to share our work and help other Councils who would be interested in benefiting from their own Freeuse website. In the first instance interested Councils should contact Waste Management at North West Leicesterhsire District Council on 01530 454572.
