What's the connection between a Hawker Hunter jet canopy, a baby grand piano and a trouser press?

The answer: they have all been saved from the tip by Jon Cuthill's Rubbish Rescue on BBC Radio Solent. It's an on-air recycling scheme that's grown into a virtual community.

How did Rubbish Rescue begin?

“It started in March 2006 after we ran an item on flat packed furniture. Having proved on the show that women were more adept than men at assembling it, we were left with a spare bookcase.

“Rather than skip it, we thought we'd try and find a new home for it with a listener. The response we got was huge, and the mid morning programme team quickly realised that perhaps we could provide an on air recycling service. Rubbish Rescue was born!”

How does it work?

"We all have 'rubbish' in our garages, lofts and sheds - items that we keep meaning to take to the tip. With Rubbish Rescue we encourage people to call, email or text us first, in case any listeners can give the rubbish a new home. We'll read out the donor's item on air, and listeners call in to rescue it."

Has it been popular?

"So far we've managed to save hundreds of things from the tip. Sometimes it all happens so quickly that we'll find a rescuer before we've even ended the phone call! Then the donor and the rescuer have a chat live on air.

"It has taken on a real community feel, with listeners helping each other out and coming together to go green."

So what are the benefits of Rubbish Rescue?

"People benefit in three ways:

• The donor gets back some space in the loft, shed or garage
• The rescuer gets an item for free
• The wider community benefits because there's one less item going to landfill

"New friendships have been made, and old friends have been reunited through Rubbish Rescue. It has inspired people, and has shown how easy it is to do something for everyone's benefit."

Why do you think it’s been such a success?

"Two reasons. Firstly, it's easy. Recycling this way is just as easy as throwing something away - or even easier because they don't have to lug it to the tip.

"Secondly, it's free. Sure, people could sell the stuff on, but there's a real sense of doing someone a favour - and that actually feels quite good."

BBC Radio Solent covers Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset. Listeners can now hear Rubbish Rescue every Sunday at 12.30pm on The Good Life with Georgina Windsor. www.bbc.co.uk/england/radiosolent