Bottle top & other convert to ca£h scemes?

Savvy_Sue

Mids_Costcutter wrote: »

But please don't take out the copper cables from your local electricity sub-station: it's not worth it!

Or lead off any roofs, either ...

Mids_Costcutter

So why are so many charity fundraisers collecting plastic milk bottle tops when the value of the scrap plastic is so low? Another collection scheme operating in my workplace last year. Any explanations? Is it just because it's (relatively) easy to collect a lot?

oldtoolie

I think it is because many people are uncomfortable with asking for money. People always hope that they can help without digging into their own pockets or asking someone else to dig into theirs.

If you really want to help a cause you have to get past that.

Charities need two things from the public -- money or time (as volunteers). It is your choice what you give, to which charity and how much.

The best thing is to get in touch with the charities you like and ask them how you can help.

Larry

Mids_Costcutter

Thanks for the reply Larry, but I meant as opposed to collecting more valuable materials for recycling?

oldtoolie

Well, that is what charity shops do, isn't it?

But other than that, there isn't a whole lot of money in recycled materials. Scrap metal prices go up and down depending on the global economy. Tools for Self Reliance does sort and sell scrap metal but it is mainly to get rid of the broken tools people give us.

There are many ways people can raise money for their favourite charity -- collecting stuff to sell to recyclers isn't one of the most effective.

Larry

Mids_Costcutter

Following the waste disposal hierarchy (reduce, reuse and recycle) reusing is of course more effective than recycling as it doesn't involve as much energy use and associated costs. As you point out this is what charity shops do and is also the raison d'etre for charities such as your Tools For Self Reliance and re-cycle.org (Bicycle Aid for Africa), which Martin has supported in the past.

Good luck to TFSR!

oldtoolie

Thanks for the good wishes.

One thing though -- Tools For Self Reliance and re-cycle are not mainly about recycling tools and bikes -- we are about helping people in Africa overcome poverty. We sometimes say 'we are not looking for good homes for poor tools; we are looking for good tools for poor homes.'

lmcctgc

Please does anyone know if there is any recycling companies in the North-East of England who give money for plastic bottle tops.

Thanks. :eek:

PatJ_2

Yes, can anyone help with someone in the north east (Newcastle upon Tyne area) who will buy the bottle tops.

Thanks

Rainbow_Liberty

Or in the North West, Widnes, Cheshire area. I've been collecting them for quite a while and now the playgroup has stopped taking them