I really want something from a skip. Would you? Should you?

[Progress2019]

We are in a fairly new development. It was bad enough seeing the workmen destroying the neighbours kitchen when we could do with some more cupboards, but only yesterday dh and I were talking about buying a new garden gate, when that afternoon, I saw that theirs was in their skip. Its in far better condition than ours, as theirs was sheltered by their garage, and they didn’t use their back gate, whereas ours was in constant use, and is shabby and rickety.

I don’t know how much a new garden gate costs. Probably under £100, but its not just the money. I’m really into freegle and donate things constantly - its amazing what people can make use of. I hate the thought of stuff ending up in landfill unnecessarily. Not that the gate would, as its wooden.

Anyway. Would you take it? Could you? Sadly these aren’t friendly neighbours, so I’m not going to ask.

Just to add, I probably won’t, as I’m pathetic, but I’m just wondering ehat other people would do.

thinkingcapon
If you don't care then why have you posted?!

I have a nice patio made up of 'cobbles' that were rescued from a skip outside a garden-centre. They had been part of a small display, demonstrating that they'd look like, put down.

We asked the bloke at reception and he said 'go ahead', so we took 2 carloads home!

Well done on getting the gate!

Take it. Skips aren't that cheap. Last time I had one, I was pleased to wake up every morning and discover that I had more space in it. Without such helpful people I'd have had to hire another albeit smaller skip

Oh sorry you've got it... well done

My skip has just gone, I feel slightly sad a lovely fire place and surround has gone with it, would have loved someone to take it. But not many options around here to recycle. Pleased you got it OP.

My OH once found a brand new electric fencing unit and 20 new posts in a skip in the middle of town. Still using them 15 years later. They were worth nearly £200 new!!

@Villanelle Next time, try sticking it on one or more of the following

• local Facebook buy and sell group
• olio
• freegle
• gumtree

If it's free I'd be shocked if someone didn't come and collect it, unless you're the sole inhabitant of a remote island

It makes me sad when I see a skip with useable stuff in it, I wish more people would recycle (yes mum and dad, I'm looking at you).

I'm glad you got the gate, one more saved item!

@Avocados I actually admin the local FB selling page and have over 3000 members, it’s a small area people seem to proud to take free items. Also gumtree isn’t really a thing here, neither is freecycle.

We had our 2 bathrooms renovated. People took what they wanted from our skip, rang our doorbell and asked if they could have what they’d taken.

When I said yes, they shook my hand.

This was in Spain though. Maybe different countries have different skip etiquette.

Sometimes if you offer to sell something really cheap you get a better response than offering it for free. People love a bargain but are suspicious of free stuff. You can always refuse to take the money.