Run a Swap Shop

Also known as Give and Take Days, these events are a chance to get your community together to swap things you don't need for things you do, all for free.

How to organise your own

It works best if you have an audience already (e.g. your school, youth group or community group) and hold your event in a location with plenty of people walking past outside.

It can really help to team up with a local community group as they have an existing network of members and can get more people involved. Also ask a local charity shop if they will take any leftover items at the end of the day.

Publicise your event locally – hand out fliers at your library or community centre, and stick up posters on notice boards and in shops – to make sure people know your event is taking place. Ask friends and neighbours for help to organise the event.

On the day

Invite people from school, youth group or sports club to drop off unwanted clothes, DVDs, toys, games, books and kitchenware a few days before the event so you have some things to start off with.

On the day, you can either have a drop-off only period (e.g. 10am-12pm) then people can take items only (e.g. 12.30-3pm). For smaller events though, it can be easier to allow people to drop off and take items all day  – try to ensure items are in good condition and are safe.

Young families will get more from the event if you provide fun activities for children – decorating reusable cloth bags or creating rubbish monsters.

If you would like to raise money for a certain cause, you could charge a small entrance fee or run a cake sale at the event.

Combine this with providing information about recycling and waste reduction, and you’ll turn your event into an informative but enjoyable event for the whole community! You might even pick up a couple of bargains yourself…

Contact for more information

If you would like more advice or help running your Swap Shop or Give and Take, get in touch with Sarah at sarah.mills@wastewatch.org.uk or on 020 8911 3187.

You can also visit one of our Swap Shops; keep an eye out for the next one here.