Have you heard of the Toiletries Amnesty? The charitable organisation is working to end hygiene poverty by connecting charities and community groups to local people with unwanted toiletries and cosmetics.
How it works
Toiletries Amnesty is a free to use directory, where each organisation can list the items they need, and specify whether they accept partly-used or opened products. You can amend your listing at any time – for example, to change your opening hours, the items you need or the best place to drop off donations.
There are currently more than 200 organisations using the directory, including homeless shelters, refuges, food banks, hospices, refugee organisations, and NHS Trusts.
One of the organisation's that has signed up is Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum, which this year helped circulate 2,000 tubes of toothpaste through Toiletries Amnesty to help refugees across the city. The donation of toothpaste was made by a Nottingham family who wishes to remain anonymous.
The public can also search the directory for local causes that will take their excess toiletries, cosmetics and hygiene products.
Why it’s different
Unlike other hygiene bank schemes, Toiletries Amnesty does not collect the goods as a middle man (for example, storing them in a warehouse), instead, charities and community groups receive the goods directly.
People are not asked to buy new products just to donate. The idea is to be eco-friendly, responsible consumers, by passing on unwanted products that would otherwise go to waste. Toiletry and beauty brands can also donate their surplus products.
How your organisation can take part
If your organisation would like to be added to the directory as a participant of the amnesty, you will need to register for an account here.
Do you have some spare toiletries you can donate?
Find a local cause who needs them here. Please note, some organisations will accept part used toiletries but you will need to check the directory for further details. Please do not send used toothbrushes or razors. Individual donations should not be sent directly to Toiletries Amnesty, you will need to send them directly to the organisation you choose, address details will be provided in the directory.
Help fund the Toiletries Amnesty
All donations, big and small, help the amnesty to cover its day-to-day running costs as well as giving them the opportunity to reach out to and support more people. If you'd like to support the charity with a one-off donation, please visit their GoFundMe campaign page.
