Halloween costume swap shop aims to cut waste

A smiling young girl dressed up as a green dinosaur is donating her old Halloween costumes at a local library. She is indoors, standing next to a blue wheelie bin, with a sign on that says 'Wanted! Kids Halloween Costumes'. On the opposite side of the bin is the library supervisor - he is an older man wearing glasses, dark trousers and a dark jumper over a blue shirt. He is also putting a donation in the bin and smiling at the camera. Image source, North Yorkshire Council
Image caption,

Children like Milly (pictured) will benefit from the free Halloween costume swap shop at Yorkshire libraries

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People are being encouraged to donate their unwanted children's Halloween costumes to a swap shop scheme to prevent them going to waste.

North Yorkshire Council is asking for outfits and accessories to be handed in at Northallerton, Scarborough, Selby, and Ripon libraries before 12 October.

The costumes will then be redistributed among the locations ahead of the swap shops opening between the 20 and 31 October.

The council said the the initiative was aimed at "encouraging sustainable living and reducing single-use waste".

Richard Foster, executive member for managing our environment, said: "At Halloween, many households buy costumes for their children who soon grow out of them or want a new look the following year.

"By giving pre-loved costumes a second life, we hope to inspire families to embrace an eco-friendlier Halloween while also saving money and building community spirit."

Hannah Gilbert, a parent from Northallerton, said she would be taking advantage of the scheme.

"It is a fantastic idea and a great way to declutter, save money on buying more costumes, and helps to protect the environment," she said.

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