Radio show signals rise in recycling

MEMBERSHIP of a successful recycling website has gone through the roof after its founder went on national radio to discuss its merits.

The Stevenage Freecycle website was founded in 2004 by Hazel Roethenbaugh after she realised that landfill sites in North Herts were nearing their maximum capacity.

The website allows people to give away items as gifts rather than throw them into their bins. The aim is to reduce waste by connecting individuals who are throwing away goods they no long need with others who are seeking them.

The idea has been a great success and Mrs Roethenbaugh was invited to join presenter Jeremy Vine on his BBC Radio 2 show to discuss her group.

Mrs Roethenbaugh said: "One of the questions I was asked on the show was when someone called in and said that the things people offered to give away were junk. People aren't like that. Their generosity is tremendous.

"Freecycle is a non-profit organisation and a movement of people interested in keeping good stuff out of landfills.

"I felt no good moaning about the fact that we've got these problems unless I was prepared to do something about it.

"A lot of things we throw away we know could be useful to other people."

Within an hour of Mrs Roethenbaugh's appearance on the radio 20 people had asked to join the group and the website was overloaded with visitors wanting to know more.

Over 250 new members have joined the site within the last seven days.

Mrs Roethenbaugh said: "The whole group has gone berserk and it's gone really well. The group now has almost 1,300 members in North Herts and is still growing."

The website has become so popular that Mrs Roethenbaugh is now working with local councils who are keen to link the group to their own websites.

To become a member a Yahoo email address is required and then you can go to www.stevenagefreecycle.org.uk and join.