London features in second place in a new study that shows the cities fighting rising prices by donating or “Freecycling” their unwanted items.

The research compiled by the UK’s leading IVA provider, Creditfix, analysed Facebook group membership data to find how many people were recycling and gifting unwanted items (otherwise known as “Freecycling”) in the biggest cities and towns in the UK.

As a result of the cost of living crisis, some are turning to donating or swapping furniture, books and clothes to help those facing debts and the cost-of-living squeeze.

London came second in the list of the top freecycle hotspots in the UK, with 78,500 people turning to Facebook groups to donate, swap and share goods such as beds, sofas and even musical instruments. Google searches for ‘free stuff London’’ have also seen a 30% surge since September 2021.

Manchester topped the rankings, with 84,600 residents looking for ways to gift items to the community – with Nottingham completing the top three.