Collecting Non-Food Items

1. Can Food Waste Heroes collect non-food items?

Yes! In addition to surplus food, Food Waste Heroes may occasionally be offered non-food items such as household goods, toiletries, or packaging materials from participating businesses.

2. What types of non-food items can I collect?

You may collect everyday non-food items that are safe, clean, and legal to redistribute, such as:

• Toiletries (sealed and unused)
• Stationery, homeware, hardware, and household goods
• Reusable containers, packaging, and promotional items

You must never collect controlled items (e.g. knives)**, restricted items** (e.g. medicines) or damaged items or any item that looks unsafe to store or transport. If a store asks you to collect such items, politely decline and report it using the in-app issue report form so our team can follow up with the donor business.

3. What should I consider before collecting non-food items?

Just as with food, safety and practicality come first. When you are at the collection site, please make sure that:

• You feel confident you can lift and transport the items safely
• You have enough space at home to store the items securely and away from heat, damp, children and pets

4. How should I list non-food items collected from a business on the Olio app?

• Unless indicated otherwise by Team Olio, please list these items under your collection slot in the Food section so we can track which business donated them
• There may be some instances where we ask you to list items under the Non-Food section; however, we will make you aware if this is the case in advance
• Take a clear photo showing the item’s condition and label (if any)
• Use an accurate description (AI-ify can do this for you but please verify the output)

5. Can non-food items be sold?

No. All non-food items collected through the Food Waste Heroes programme must be offered for free on the Olio app. Selling these items (whether on Olio or elsewhere) is strictly prohibited.

Any FWH found to be selling or profiting from items collected through the programme will be immediately removed and permanently banned from the FWH programme.

6. Health & Safety

Your health and safety are our priority.

• Do not lift heavy packages unless you are certain you can do so safely
• Ask the store staff for help if needed
• Do not collect items you cannot transport safely
• Always lift using your knees, not your back

Remember: You’re volunteering, and you’re never expected to take risks or handle anything beyond your comfort level.

7. Allowance

Similar to food items, you’re allowed to keep 10% of the items you collect as a “Thank you!” and you don’t need to list them on the app. You can keep them or give them to whoever you want (it’s up to you!) but you cannot sell the items you keep, whether on the app or anywhere else.

8. What if I can’t share all the items I collected?

If the items you listed are not being requested:

• Consider taking them to your local charity,
• Offer them to your family, friends and neighbours who might be interested
• Dispose of any damaged or unsuitable items responsibly.

Remember

Being a Food Waste Hero is about sharing safely and responsibly – whether you’re redistributing food or non-food items. Only collect what you can handle, store, and share safely.