Admittedly, this may have an impact on your social life but trading at the dump is a very good idea - think of it as a non-virtual version of the well-known trading website freecycle.org.

While you aren’t usually permitted to pick things up that have already been dumped, there’s plenty to be had by approaching people who are chucking stuff away.

Some council recycling facilities actually offer the best of the dumped items for resale, so check your local tip for knock-down bargains. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for things tossed in skips. Once again, don’t forget to ask permission first.

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