61 Leswin Road, N16 7NX

COLLECTION TIMES: Wednesdays 3.30pm-9pm (staffed 3.30pm-7.30pm), Thursdays 8am-9pm, Fridays 8am-5pm

The Old Fire Station in Stoke Newington provides long-term space for the voluntary sector, not-for-profit and charitable organisations, and community groups. It also has a variety of rooms and halls for short-term hire. 

8 Mackintosh Lane, Homerton, E9 6AB

COLLECTION TIMES: Wednesdays 3pm-10pm, Thursdays 8am-10pm, Fridays 8am-10pm

Hatch is a multi-purpose space right by Homerton Overground. They have a cafe, hot desks, barbers, regular popups and a bar. Open 7 days a week.

Next door, The Greenhouse E9 offers co-working desks, studios, meeting rooms and event space. Visit the website for details and prices or to go for a free trial.

101-103 Newington Green Road, N1 4QY

COLLECTION TIMES: Wednesdays 4pm-7:30pm, Thursdays 9.30am-7:30pm, Fridays 9.30am-7pm

Mother Earth is a vibrant, independent, ethical retailer that has been going for more than 20 years. The "unpackaged" shop nextdoor on Newington Parade is well worth a visit.

5 Albion Parade, Albion Road, N16 9LD

COLLECTION TIMES: Wednesdays 4pm-7pm; Thursdays 9:30am-7pm; Fridays 9:30am-7pm

Mother Earth is a vibrant, independent, ethical retailer selling organic, natural wholefoods, beauty and household products. 

Hackney Road, E2 8QA

COLLECTION TIMES: Wednesdays 6pm-9pm (staffed 6pm-8pm); Thursdays 10am-9pm; Fridays 10am-4.30pm

For over 30 years, Hackney City Farm has been giving the local community the opportunity to experience farming in the heart of the city and get up close to a range of farmyard animals and learn new skills to live a healthier, happier life with a lower environmental impact. They aim to be a centre for environmental improvement and community projects.

Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT

COLLECTION TIMES: Thursdays 2pm-8pm; Fridays 8am-8pm; Saturdays 8am-1pm

The thriving creative community of Hackney Downs Studios, including several small shops and businesses, is tucked away off Hackney Downs Park in an ex-industrial printworks.

Green Lanes, N4 2HA

COLLECTION TIMES: Thursdays 4pm-9pm; Fridays 1pm-9pm; Saturdays 10am-2pm

The Castle Climbing Centre is run by climbers for climbers and receives more annual visits than any other climbing centre in the UK. It is housed in a striking Victorian water pumping station. The Castle is massively committed towards becoming a sustainable business, reducing its carbon footprint and increasing its environmental performance. The Castle garden welcomes volunteers and provides fresh, organic produce for the Centre's cafe.

191 Lower Clapton Rd, E5 8EG

COLLECTION TIMES: Wednesdays 3pm-8pm, Thursdays 10am-8pm, Fridays 10am-8pm, Saturdays 10am-12pm

A great health food shop in the heart of Clapton and managed by the same owners as the wonderful Palm 2 across the road. Fab garden cafe in the back serving delicious, hearty food and open for all-day lunches. 

13 Dalston Lane (next to the Hackney Peace mural), London, E8 3DF

COLLECTION TIMES: Thursdays 2pm-10pm; Fridays 11am-10pm; Saturdays 11am-10pm (hours may be shorter in winter).

The Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Dalston, open every day to the local community. The Garden was created on the old Eastern Curve railway line. There is a cafe and a spacious wooden pavilion for events, workshops and gatherings as well as wildlife-friendly trees and shrubs.

Lauriston Road, E9 7DH

COLLECTION TIMES: Thursdays 11am-7pm, Fridays 10am-7pm, Saturdays: 10am-1pm

St John of Jerusalem is a Church of England church that has served the local community for over 150 years. The Revd Andrew Wilson welcomes people of all church traditions. 

Northchurch Terrace, De Beauvoir Town, N1 4DA

COLLECTION TIMES: Thursdays 1pm-8.30pm; Fridays 8am-8.30pm

St Peter's has been the parish church for De Beauvoir Town since 1841. Today it attracts a lively mix of people of all ages from all parts of the world. The church is a focus for all sorts of community events during the week and the fully accessible crypt is a thriving centre for social interaction, creativity, cultural expression and community support. 

Kayani Avenue, N4 2HF

COLLECTION TIMES: Thursdays 4pm-8pm, Fridays 9am-6.30pm

The Redmond Community Centre is run by the Manor House Development Trust, a charitable social enterprise that delivers community services. The centre offers activities such as playgroups, yoga, cookery and gardening classes.