You’re here because you want to know how to start grabbing free food and freebies from people near you. You’re in the right place.

This guide covers the full process — from downloading the app to collecting your first free item — so you’re not left guessing.

✅ What you’ll see on this page

📱 What you need before you start
🔍 How to browse what’s free near you
📦 What happens after you request an item
🚚 How soon you can collect your first freebie

Step 1: Download the free app

Olio is free to download on iOS and Android. No purchase, subscription or trial is required at any point — browsing and collecting is free for everyone.

Step 2: Set up your account and location

Before you start browsing, have this ready:

Information Where to find it
First name Just so neighbours know who’s collecting
Postcode or Eircode Your current address (UK or Ireland)
Email address To create your free account

No ID, no proof of address and no payment details are needed to start browsing and collecting.

Step 3: Browse what’s free near you

Once your location is set, you’ll see a live map and list of everything currently free nearby — from surplus food at local shops to items neighbours are giving away. New listings are added throughout the day.

⚠️ Good to know
Popular listings can go quickly, especially free food from local shops — so it’s worth checking back a few times a day when you’re getting started.

Step 4: Request an item

See something you’d like? Tap to request it. If you’re approved, you’ll get the collection details — usually a rough time window and a pickup point nearby. No payment is ever involved.

Step 5: Collect it

Stage Typical time
Sign up & set location 1 minute
Browse nearby listings Instant
Request an item Instant
Most collections Same day

What Olio-ers say

“In a cost of living crisis, this app has been exactly what my family needed — plus I feel good knowing less food is going to waste.”
— C., Manchester
“I was skeptical it would really be free, but I collected fresh bread and veg from a shop two streets away on my first try.”
— S., Dublin

Proven track record

9M+
Olio-ers already sharing worldwide
4.9★
rating on the Apple App Store
4.6★
rating on Google Play
100%
free to browse and collect, always

Frequently asked questions

Is it really free?
Yes. Browsing and collecting listings is 100% free, always — there’s no hidden cost.

Do I need to bring anything to collect an item?
Just yourself. Some food listings simply ask you to bring your own bag.

What if I don’t live in a big city?
Olio works anywhere there’s an active community, across the UK and Ireland — and new areas are added all the time.

Can I give things away too?
Yes. You can list your own unwanted food or items in a couple of minutes, for free.

Is my information safe?
Yes. You only ever share what’s needed to arrange a local collection — nothing else.

Get the app now

Download Olio for free and see what’s available near you today.

  • Free to download, free to use
  • No sign-up fees, no subscriptions
  • 9 million people already using it worldwide
  • Most collections happen the same day

GET THE FREE APPFree download — available now on Google Play