The landfill test: Difference between revisions

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The fundamental purpose of Freegle is promote the keeping of usable items out of landfill.
The fundamental purpose of Freegle is to keep usable items out of the bin, reducing the impact on landfill while preventing the unnecessary purchase of new items.


If you are having trouble deciding whether to allow a post, ask yourself the landfill question and you will probably find you know the answer, regardless of size and value…
Nowadays much less waste goes to landfill, and more to incinerators, so strictly we should talk about "diverting from the waste stream". But "the landfill test" is what we've always called it, and it's snappier.


"Does it save anything from landfill?" if it does, then allow it (if it’s free and legal), if it isn't, most groups will reject it. You may, however, want to make an exception for advertising free environmental events, like Green Fairs and the Bring and Takes that some local authorities organise.
==The test==
If you're unsure about allowing a post, consider: "Does it save anything from landfill?" If it does, allow it, provided it's free and legal; if it doesn't, most groups will reject it.


If you can potentially save an item from landfill, no matter how small it is, then it is within the aims of Freegle.
If a post could potentially save an item from landfill, no matter how small, it's within the aims of Freegle.


Things that fail the landfill test will include; people asking for information, rooms to rent, advertising bands, wanting advice or tradesmen's numbers – these are all non-tangible, therefore they do not save anything from landfill. They are generally not posted on main Freegle groups, as although they are perfectly reasonable requests, they detract from the main purpose of the group, and therefore what people have signed up for on that group. Many groups also do not permit tickets, vouchers, money-off coupons and other such items. They are ideal, however, on your nearest Freegle café group, so do encourage them to be sent there!
==What fails the test==
Things that typically fail the landfill test include:
* requests for information or advice
* requests to borrow or swap items (see [[Borrowing or Lending]])
* tradesman recommendations
* requests for information about rooms or houses to rent
* adverts for local events
* tickets, vouchers and money-off coupons (see [[Tickets and Vouchers]])
 
These don't directly save anything from landfill. They're generally not posted on main Freegle groups, as that isn't our core aim, but groups can decide to set a local guideline if they wish.
 
Back to [[Basic Information]]
 
[[Category:Getting Started]]

Latest revision as of 12:00, 17 July 2026

The fundamental purpose of Freegle is to keep usable items out of the bin, reducing the impact on landfill while preventing the unnecessary purchase of new items.

Nowadays much less waste goes to landfill, and more to incinerators, so strictly we should talk about "diverting from the waste stream". But "the landfill test" is what we've always called it, and it's snappier.

The test

If you're unsure about allowing a post, consider: "Does it save anything from landfill?" If it does, allow it, provided it's free and legal; if it doesn't, most groups will reject it.

If a post could potentially save an item from landfill, no matter how small, it's within the aims of Freegle.

What fails the test

Things that typically fail the landfill test include:

  • requests for information or advice
  • requests to borrow or swap items (see Borrowing or Lending)
  • tradesman recommendations
  • requests for information about rooms or houses to rent
  • adverts for local events
  • tickets, vouchers and money-off coupons (see Tickets and Vouchers)

These don't directly save anything from landfill. They're generally not posted on main Freegle groups, as that isn't our core aim, but groups can decide to set a local guideline if they wish.

Back to Basic Information

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