ELECTRIC guitars, ski equipment and a quad bike are among the items being auctioned off in an environmentally-friendly initiative.

Reuse Scheme, where residents donate household goods to be sold to a loving home, was launched at Witney's Dix Pit Household Waste Recycling Centre this week.

The scheme already runs at several centres across Oxfordshire, but now people in the Witney area can ensure their unwanted items give joy to a new owner, while also reducing waste disposal.

A 12-month trial of the initiative was launched by Oxfordshire County Council and waste management company FCC Environment to coincide with national Recycle Week, which ends tomorrow.

Rachel Townsend, the council's technical officer for waste contracts, said: “We are always interested in new ways to prevent waste being thrown away, saving money and helping protect our environment.

“This new initiative means a diverse range of products are now being re-homed, re-loved and re-used.

"What we’re doing at Dix Pit, with the support of FCC Environment, is positive for everyone.”

Residents looking to donate items are encouraged to approach a member of staff at Dix Pit and anything deemed reusable is added to the collection.

These items are then taken to an auction house by FCC Environment, with income generated contributing to the costs of running the household waste recycling centre service.

FCC Environment transported almost a tonne of goods on their first trip to the auction house and wants West Oxfordshire residents to supply even more second-hand items.

Since then, the waste management company has carried a treasure trove of wonders, including electric guitars, ski equipment and a child’s quad bike.

The scheme has also attracted several unused and still-boxed goods that would otherwise be wasted, including a foot spa and slow cooker.

Rob Harris, FCC Environment’s contract operations manager, said: “Every day we see items coming in that have a long life left in them.

“We’re really pleased to be working with Oxfordshire County Council to reduce waste in this way, giving still usable items a new home.

“The site team are looking forward to supporting this initiative.”

For more information about Oxfordshire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste