Stuff...
What do we do with the things you don't want to keep? Here are some ideas.
General household: If you have lots of items, the auction house Ramsay Cornish in Leith takes most household objects. Look for a down market auctionhouse in your area. Of course if you have valuable things you can get a valuer down to have a look. I use John Love Antiques on 1013 554 7609.
Electrical, cameras, sports equipment: can all be sold at Cash Convertors and similar shops such as Cash Generator. Equipment has to be in good condition and it is better if you have instructions too. However, the price you get isn't very high.
Mobile phones: everyone seems to have an old mobile. Websites like envirofone can give you money.
Books, particularly recent academic books, can get a good price on Amazon. You can try The Old Children's Bookshelf on 0131 558 3411 for children's books.
I use Gumtree a lot to sell and dispose of things. It is particularly useful if you have a big item to give away for free and you can specify the taker collects.
Tools, manual sewing machines and bicycle parts can go to the brilliant charity Tools for Self Reliance who employ people with learning difficulties to refurbish tools, manual sewing machines and bicycle repair tools which are then sent to Africa.
Clothing that can't be sold can go to a charity shop. This includes worn shirts and odd socks that charities can sell on as 'rags'. Oxfam say they make use of everything.
FourSquare provides household goods to people who are starting their own households. They work with the Council Centres and take working items such as kettles and lamps as well as furniture carpets curtains, bed linen etc. They will also uplift. They can be contacted on 0131 557 7900.
A similar organisation here in Edinburgh is Fresh Start who welcomes all household items such as dishes, clothes pegs, pots and pans. This is especially useful if you are clearing a house. 0131 476 7741.
The Big Issue, are always looking for good quality men's shoes and clothing - 31 Queensferry Street Edinburgh EH2 4QS 0131 225 6714.
Xchange handbags sell handbags on your behalf.
The Bike Station is at Causewayside in Edinburgh, and recycles and reuses all bikes and bike parts.
Local Youth Groups and Community Centres are usually delighted to have sports equipment, musical instruments and games passed on to them.
I recently gave a school drama department several bags of old materials; they use them for backdrops, drapes and costumes.
Your local church usually collects stamps, and if they don't do it the Salvation Army definitely does. They use the stamps to buy Freeplay radios to be used in Africa in educational programmes. Last year they donated 400 radios to this worthwhile cause.
Local Council Recycling Centres take most things, and some recycle books, CDs and DVDs; the council can arrange to uplift from your house, but certainly Edinburgh Council doesn't recycle these items, they all get chucked in together.
Drycleaners usually are happy to take their hangers back
Lastly, rather than getting a skip, why not employ a rubbish removal service such as Dirty Work Clearances in Edinburgh 0131 661 1437 to do all the work for you.
Recommended businesses
Fraser Premier Trades - for all trades - no job too small - Mike Fraser on 0796 829 4828
Scottish Thermal Unit - for plumbing heating and bathrooms - Scott Robertson on 07896 421 707
Bed with a View - Central Edinburgh studio flat - Rachel Hazel
Dragonella - Costume Designer and Dragon maker - Ella Humphries - 07914 637 506 ellaphants@tiscalli.co.uk [for example click here]
Freelance Curtain Fitter - Bill Warren on 07980 279 008
Ysolda - Knitwear designer for brilliant hats and interesting knits
EH1 Colonics from Cathy Miller
Mobility aids and all sorts of things from The Whistling Tortoise - they also have a catalogue
this page last updated on March 20, 2011