Residents can now pass on items for reuse without leaving home

Residents in Bracknell Forest, Reading, and Wokingham Boroughs can now easily donate unwanted household items straight from their doorstep - free of charge. A new collaboration between the re3 and WRAP (Waste Resource Action Programme) is trialling the promotion of the free service operated by Anglo Doorstep Collections, which runs independently of the councils.

The Anglo Doorstep Collections service is free and offers residents a convenient way to give pre-loved items a second life while supporting selected charities. Items such as clothing, shoes, small electricals, towels, bed linen, children’s toys and more in good condition will be reused wherever possible for their original intended purpose. For every collection, Anglo makes a charitable donation to one of its partner charities and plants a tree for each booking made. While the doorstep service offers added convenience, residents who already donate regularly to local charities are encouraged to continue doing so.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Helen Purnell, Vice-Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Bracknell Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Community and Housing; and Cllr Katrin Harding, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, commented:

“We’re very keen to promote this opportunity for residents to pass on unwanted items easily. Reuse plays a vital role in reducing waste, and this is another great step forward for our partnership. It’s estimated that up to 15% of the contents of general waste bins are reusable clothing and textiles, meaning valuable items are lost rather than being given a second life. This simple service makes it easier than ever for households to declutter responsibly while giving back to the community.”

To use the service, residents need to book a free collection slot online at https://anglodoorstepcollections.co.uk/re3partnership/ Once the collection date is confirmed, items should be bagged or boxed and left on the doorstep on the agreed day.

The service is free and is open to everyone across three boroughs. This service is not part of the regular waste and recycling or bulky waste collection. Residents requiring a collection of furniture or other larger items are encouraged to book a separate bulky waste collection service offered by the councils. Further details are available on the re3 website.