Unwanted baby clothes and essentials can now help Northampton families through new scheme
Northampton residents will be able to donate unwanted baby clothes and equipment at recycling centres as part of a new scheme to support families in need.
FCC Environment, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Baby Basics Northampton have joined forces to collect pre-loved baby essentials at six Household Waste Recycling Centres across the area.
From this month, donations can be made at the Ecton Lane and Sixfields sites in Northampton, as well as recycling centres in Brixworth, Daventry, Farthinghoe and Towcester.
Items being sought include clean, good-quality baby clothes for newborns up to three months, alongside new and unopened nappies, wipes and toiletries.
Moses baskets, baby baths, non-electrical sterilisers and blankets and bedding suitable for Moses baskets can also be donated, subject to safety standards.
Clear signs will be installed at participating recycling centres showing residents where to leave items.
Baby Basics Northampton, a volunteer-led charity supporting families facing financial hardship, will collect and redistribute the donations.
The charity says demand for its services continues to grow, with one in 14 babies born in the county now receiving one of its starter packs.
Gemma Stammers, operations coordinator at Baby Basics Northampton, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this partnership.
“Demand for our support continues to grow and donations like these make a huge difference to local families. Making it easy for people to donate at recycling centres is a simple but powerful idea.”
Councillor Nigel Stansfield, WNC cabinet member for environment, recycling and waste, said the partnership demonstrated how “small actions can make a big difference”.
Sarah Markham, assistant reuse development manager at FCC Environment, said the initiative would ensure items went directly to families who needed them while also reducing waste and promoting reuse.