A third of the UK does not give their unwanted items to charity

Items that have been donated by local people to local charities

A new survey has revealed that a third of the UK does not give their unwanted items to charity.

The survey of more than 1,000 people in the UK conducted by Ready Steady Store, revealed that whilst giving to charity was a popular option, a high percentage were still reluctant to donate items to good causes.

Statistics from the Charities Aid Foundation showed that whilst £10.3 billion was raised in 2017 through donations, the number of people donating decreased from the number in 2016.

The survey revealed that 33% hold on to belongings they no longer use for sentimental reasons, 24% simply forget about unwanted items completely whilst 17% can’t find the time to declutter and have a clear out.

Marketing Manager for Ready Steady Store, Jacky Kearns commented: “A huge part of what we do is helping people keep the items they truly love and value when they don’t have enough space. We wanted to know why the UK keeps certain things, and why they feel the need to hang on to unwanted items.

"We understand that things can hold strong sentimental value, and the survey has given us a much better understanding of why our services might be needed. The things we own often give us a sense of identity, and for many people this is what makes it so difficult to part with them.”

Find charities to donate unwanted items to at:

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/business/C/135/charity-shops