Contacting Councils

Getting through to the right person is the main challenge. Check the council's website, or ring the switchboard and ask for the environment department. You probably won't reach the head of department straight away, but you'll get through to the right team - don't be put off by that, it's normal.

Phase One

Make initial contact:

• Find the name and email address of the head of the environment department.
• Email them a link to your local Freegle community and ask if they'll add it to the recycling section of their website. Invite them to join Freegle themselves.
• Mention partnerships elsewhere in the country, such as the Freegle Cumbria County Council Partnership.
• Point out that your community helps them meet their landfill reduction targets. You can find some conservative supporting statistics at https://www.ilovefreegle.org/stats/authorities
• Be polite and friendly.
• Ask if they'd like a link to the council's recycling page added to your site.

Phase Two

If Phase One doesn't get a response, be a bit more persistent:

• Does your local paper have a letters page? Write in and ask why the council hasn't engaged with Freegle.
• Does the council's website have a feedback or forum page? Ask your questions there.

Essentially, keep politely making a nuisance of yourself.

Phase Three

Still getting nowhere? Time to raise the stakes:

• Go to your local MP's surgery and raise it with them. The political party doesn't matter (though Green would be nice) - you know how to make the case, or you wouldn't be reading this.
• Speak to your local elected councillors. They're not scary - just members of the public like you and me. Their contact details should be on your council's website if you don't already know them.

That's what we elect these people for, and most take the role seriously. Sit back and wait for the council to get in touch.

Once you're in contact, here are some Council Help ideas you could suggest.

Links:

• Publicity
• Council Newsletters
• Council Projects/Partnerships