Olio Review: Waste Less And Get Everything You Need

Do you have a lot of extra items in storage or your pantry and want to put them to good use?

With Olio, you can give them a new life. It’s an app that helps you share extra food, household items, and more with your community.

Let’s jump straight in to learn how this app works and whether it’s worth trying!

What Is Olio?

Olio is a free app that connects neighbors so they can share extra stuff and reduce waste.

Got leftover lasagna or veggies about to spoil? Someone nearby probably wants them. Outgrown baby clothes in good condition? Don’t throw them out when another parent could use them.

With Olio, you can list extra food, toiletries, and household items so those in your area can use them when needed. It’s hyperlocal and all about building a supportive community.

How Olio Works

Downloading Olio is simple. Just visit their website or app store to get started. After making an account, you can start listing things to give away.

You only need to snap a photo, add a description, and set a pickup time. Once you post it, nearby users will see it on the app’s map and can comment or reserve it.

On the other hand, if you need something, browse the map or newsfeed. When you see something you want, click to reserve it, pick it up at the set time, and you’re set! Some items are marked as “no contact delivery,” so you’d need to grab them outside their door.

Olio has active communities called “Food Waste Heroes” in major cities. You’re likely to find fresh food and home-cooked meals. But it’s also great for non-food items like clothes, furniture, or other everyday household items.

Things You Can Find On Olio

You never know what you’ll come across on Olio. Some common finds include:

Fresh produce or groceries from someone’s garden surplus or leftovers
Homemade meals and baked goods
Toiletries and cleaning supplies
Kids toys, books, clothes
Furniture that’s still in good shape
Household items like vases or small appliances
Office and school supplies
Personal care items such as makeup or shampoo
Old electronics, video games, or DVDs

People give away all kinds of things. Start by searching for specific items or browse the listings in your area. It’s a treasure hunt for valuable goods that would otherwise go to waste!

Key App Features

Olio has some excellent features to make sharing and finding easier:

Location filters to search nearby or citywide
Reserving items so they don’t get claimed before you arrive
Chat messaging with people giving or requesting items
Profile and verification for safety and trust
Reviews and ratings for users
“No contact” delivery tags for zero contact pickups

You can also customize your feed by following specific users, groups, or areas. Remember to enable notifications so you never miss a chance to find what you’re looking for.

Is Olio Legit?

Olio seems too good to be true. A free app where people give you stuff for nothing? However, it’s 100% legit and rapidly growing.

As of today, the app has over 7 million users worldwide. Communities are active throughout the US, UK, mainland Europe, and beyond. The app has won awards and has a 4.3 out of 5 on TrustPilot.

Thousands of people use Olio daily to find good deals and fight waste. The app also vets users and has tracking to ensure safety. Reviews help the community self-moderate. Most people have great experiences.

Olio: Pros And Cons

Pros

It’s an easy way to cut down on food and household waste
You can find cool freebies nearby
It connects you with neighbors
It saves you money and lets you embrace frugal living
It helps reduce your carbon footprint
Posting and finding items is relatively simple

Cons

Limited availability in rural/suburban areas
You may not find what you need
You can only browse and claim what’s listed

The Bottom Line

Olio is definitely an option if you hate seeing good stuff go to waste. At the very least, you can use it to give your extras to someone who needs them.

With an active user base in your area, you’re likely to find useful free stuff. Even scoring a few great items makes it worthwhile. Plus, you’ll feel good about keeping usable things out of landfills.

Olio isn’t a perfect solution. But it’s an easy way to reduce waste and connect with your community. Download the app, give it a try, and see what you can find!