The concept of acquiring items for free, whether through community sharing, borrowing schemes, or direct giveaways, is well-established in Guildford. Multiple online platforms and a physical library enable residents to give away, receive, or borrow a wide range of items without financial cost, promoting sustainability and community support. This article details the primary methods available for accessing free goods and borrowing services in the Guildford area, based on local community initiatives and online marketplaces.
Freecycle Guildford
Freecycle is an online platform dedicated to facilitating the free exchange of reusable items. The network operates through local town groups, and Guildford has its own active community with over 35,000 members. The platform allows members to both give away items they no longer need and request items they are looking for.
To participate in Freecycle Guildford, individuals must sign up with an email address or Facebook account. This process is free of charge. Once registered, users can join the Guildford town group and optionally other nearby towns. To list an item for giveaway, a user provides an image, a description, and any specific preferences regarding collection. For those seeking an item, they can create a "Wanted" listing to broadcast their needs to the community.
The platform enforces specific rules to maintain a positive and lawful environment. These rules include prohibiting politics, spam, and monetary transactions. Swaps, trades, and personal advertisements are not allowed. All items listed must be legal, and the platform does not permit the listing of animals.
Trashnothing (Guildford Recycle For Free and Guildford Freegle)
Trashnothing is a unified platform that aggregates listings from various freecycling and reuse sites. Within Trashnothing, there are local town groups for Guildford, specifically named "Guildford Recycle For Free" (with approximately 6,700 members) and "Guildford Freegle" (with approximately 2,300 members). The process for joining and using these groups is very similar to that of Freecycle.
The listings on Trashnothing demonstrate a diverse range of available items. Examples of items offered for free include furniture such as a chest of drawers, a Lazy boy chair, and a grey armchair. Household goods listed have included items like a travel cot with mattress covers, a cork notice board, a wine rack, and a cordless electric kettle. Other categories featured are baby items (car seats), personal care products (moisturising after sun spray, shiatsu foot massager), and hobby or office supplies (photo albums, CD folders, whiteboards, and brand new cabinet knobs). Listings often specify the item's condition and location within the Guildford area, such as Brookwood, Frimley Green, South Woking, and Manor Farm.
LoveJunk
LoveJunk operates as an online marketplace for the sustainable disposal of unwanted larger items and for obtaining pre-loved items for free. The platform functions by matching item owners with either licensed waste collectors (who charge a fee) or "ReUsers" (also known as JunkLovers) who collect items free of charge.
To dispose of an item via LoveJunk, a user visits the homepage and clicks "Find Your Cheapest Collector." They then create a free listing, which goes live on the marketplace. The user can choose to show the listing to waste collectors or to individuals seeking bargains. To obtain free items through LoveJunk, a user must register as a ReUser on the site or its app. They can then set filters to display items available in and around Guildford. If an item is of interest, the user can message the owner to arrange a free collection.
Gumtree Guildford Freebies
Gumtree is a well-known classified ads site that includes a dedicated 'Freebies' section. While commonly used for buying and selling, this section allows members to post items they are giving away for free. Users can apply filters to view ads specifically within Guildford.
Creating a basic listing on Gumtree is free, and an account is required to contact members about listings or to post one's own. While there is no charge for standard listings, users have the option to pay for additional services to increase the visibility of their postings.
Guildford Library of Things
The Guildford Library of Things (LoT) provides a physical borrowing service for a wide range of items, allowing residents to access items without purchasing them. The service is free to use and aims to save money, reduce home clutter, and cut down waste. It is a collaborative project between Zero Carbon Guildford and Guildford Library.
To borrow items, individuals must be over 18 years old and create a free account, which requires providing ID and payment details. The payment details are kept on file rather than being used to take a deposit, and no charges are applied for borrowing. Users can then browse the catalogue, select an item, and collect it from Guildford Library by presenting their ID and proof of address if not included on the ID. The process emphasises sustainability and community sharing.
The library boasts a diverse inventory of over 100 items. Categories include: * Tools * Gardening gear * Board games and outdoor games * Quick-assemble gazebos * Pressure washers and window cleaners * Camping equipment (such as chairs and cool boxes) * Office equipment
Since its soft relaunch in June, the service has demonstrated a significant positive impact. It has reported saving residents approximately £38,000, reducing 6 tonnes of CO2e, and signing up over 300 members. The library has completed 86 loans, saving an additional 1.5 tonnes of CO2e. The project is expanding, with Surrey Libraries collaborating with other climate charities to spread the Library of Things concept further.
Conclusion
Guildford offers multiple, structured pathways for residents to acquire items for free or borrow them without cost. Online platforms like Freecycle, Trashnothing, LoveJunk, and Gumtree provide digital marketplaces for the direct exchange or giveaway of goods, ranging from furniture and household items to clothing and electronics. For those seeking a more curated borrowing experience, the Guildford Library of Things offers a physical catalogue of tools, leisure equipment, and other items for temporary use. These initiatives collectively support sustainable living, reduce waste, and foster community connections by facilitating the reuse and sharing of resources.