Autumn is in the air, which means Halloween is just around the corner. This year, you can save money and help the planet at ReActon’s Halloween costume swap event.

Come along to the ReActon hub in Stirling Road, Acton, on Saturday 25 October from 11am to 2pm and find some fabulously frightsome costumes for the spooky season. Whether your little monsters have outgrown last year’s outfits or just want something different, there’s something for everyone.

Got old costumes? Donate clean, wearable, and good condition Halloween costumes in drop-off boxes in locations across the borough from 10 to 24 October.

There’s nothing scarier

An estimated 7 million Halloween costumes are thrown away every year, even though they are in good condition and could be reused by other families. Many of these costumes are made of plastic and cannot be recycled easily. That’s like throwing away 83million plastic bottles every year.

That’s why Ealing Council, in partnership with the West London Waste Authority, has organised a way for families to bring old costumes that children have outgrown – or grown bored of – and find something new. Drop-off points can be found at:

• West Ealing Library, Melbourne Avenue, W13 9BT
• ActOne Cinema and Cafe, The Old Library, 119-121 High St, Acton, London W3 6NA
• Perivale Community Hive & Library, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NT

Free fun and activities

Once you’ve swapped costumes, why not stick around for some of the other reuse and recycling activities from 11am to 2pm. Events include:

• free bike checks
• school uniform free shop and swap
• bring unwanted clothing
• drop off small e-waste items
• free paint for DIY projects

Don’t forget, you can also consider DIY costumes made from old clothes instead of throwing them away. Keep an eye out for ReActon’s free textile sessions, which can help you save money by mending and upcycling old clothing throughout the year.

‘The impact can slip under the radar’

Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Single use plastic waste is a serious issue that concerns everyone. The impact of Halloween activities can slip under the radar, especially for busy parents with growing children.
“Events like this can help residents reduce their climate impact at this busy time of year and save money otherwise spent on an item that may only ever be used once.”

Interested in more ways to get spooky sustainably? Check out these Halloween waste busting ideas from Act for Ealing.