Support Second Hand September and Recycling Week 

Reducing waste continues to be a key priority as we work towards a more sustainable Elmbridge.  

This September, we’re inviting residents to take part in two national campaigns that promote recycling and responsible shopping: 

• Second Hand September
• Recycling Week (22 to 28 September) 

Second Hand September 

Oxfam runs Second Hand September to encourage people to buy only second-hand clothes for the month. 

Fast fashion creates around 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater. Only 1% of textiles are recycled. Buying second-hand helps reduce waste and supports a circular economy. 

Oxfam says buying 1kg of second-hand clothes instead of new saves 6kg of CO₂ emissions. 

You can take part by: 

• shopping at charity shops or clothing swaps – look out for events from Molesey Clothing Exchange and others
• donating clothes you no longer wear
• sharing your second-hand finds on social media
• Putting your unwanted clothes in a small, tied plastic bag by your bins on collection day. They will be reused to make other products 

Also: 

Join Elmbridge Museum for their ‘Make Do and Mend’ workshop on Saturday 13 September, from 10am to 12pm, at the Walton Repair Café held at Walton Centre for the Community, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PB. 

Inspired by the WWII-era spirit of “Make Do and Mend,” this workshop invites you to breathe new life into old clothes by transforming them into something new. Free event. 

Recycling Week 

Recycling Week runs from 22 to 28 September. It’s organised by Recycle Now. 

Most UK households recycle, but some items still end up in the bin. This year’s campaign focuses on items that are often missed, including: 

• aerosol cans
• cleaning sprays
• foil and trigger sprays 

These can all be recycled. Follow our social media channels for tips and reminders throughout the week. 

Find out more: 

• Recycling centres in Elmbridge
• Sustainable Elmbridge