to want to recycle or donate rather than just throw away?

[OwlinaTree]

Me and DH bought new plates etc today. We finally have things that match!

We now have a large pile of dinner plates of varying sizes, bowls and side plates from about 5 different services. There is also an assortment of novelty mugs (including one that sings!)

I want to recycle these by donating them somewhere, but DH is convinced nowhere will take them. They are all pretty used, but not chipped or cracked. Basically serviceable enough.

Does anyone know of a service/charity that might take them, or is DH right and the only place for them is the bin?

It won't surprise anyone to learn that we embrace the odd sock chez wheredo too. I don't darn though.

make good dusters

Can't believe anyone darns these days.

Health visitor pulled me up on my 6 month olds non matching socks at baby weighing!

How long did it take her to recover from the bitchslap?

Plates-wise, ring your local scout group. Ours do plate smashing stalls at local fetes etc and are always on the look out for old crockery! Re-used for fun and raise money

charity shops will take this stuff, because often people just starting out, students etc can't afford a complete new set, but are happy to buy 2-3 plates from charity shop.

Hi all, just in case anyone was interested plates went today! Tried the YMCA who politely said thanks but no thanks, then Oxfam who were delighted to take them. Thanks for all the advice, I will make sure I use the new plates for as long as possible now!

Glad you found somewhere to take them OwlinaTree hopefully they'll be useful to someone.

wheredo has really interesting points about the harms of our throwaway society.

We throw away horrifying amounts of landfill, including lots of perfectly mendable/ usable items.

Then we generate large amounts of carbon making newer replacements in developing countries, then more carbon shipping it round the world, so we can replace our slightly torn dress with a new one that will last, ooh, about a year.

Obviously it is better to sell, donate or recycle something rather than put it into landfill, but the best thing for the planet is to buy less.

argy it doesn't mean never buying anything new, but doing so much less often.

Yes it is usually cheaper to replace damaged clothes with new ones rather than spend time/ money repairing them, but actually that fact is appalling, some poor sod is being paid a pittance in Bangladesh to keep our socks so cheap.

I moved out of the Refuge and into my new home this weekend. Everything I have, apart from a few bits, is donated by charity. Clothes, furniture, bed, pots, iron. It made the difference between making a home or living in an empty shell. Volunteers brought them and even put up curtain poles and curtains. I feel human again.
To the person who said that if the OP thinks her plates are not good enough for her, then why should someone else want them - I say how would you know? Living in a different world to me, that's for fucking certain.
Donate! Charities like the one that helped me are always glad of donations and never short of people to donate to!

helpme - happy house warming :)

Thank you spring - it feels great.... can't believe the difference six months have made. OP thanks to donators, I have stuff. Thank you x

Actually wheredo is right. Interesting point. But we are in a bit of a trap with the "need" to increase the economy - which means spending on new stuff.

I could weep sometimes when I go to the tip - so much beautiful stuff - just not wanted anymore. But then I admit to having a hoarding problem - and that doesn't help anyone.

I've had loads of stuff from the tip and I know a lot of other people who have too. I agree that landfill is a problem and agree that we live in a terrible disposable society... but I'm really glad to have benefited.