The landfill test
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.
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