I suspect that this has been proposed before and that there are all sorts of problems in it, however, I was thinking about it last night and would appreciate some input.
I recently did some reading about Freegan’s for an essay I was writing (Freegan’s try to live with as little dependence on money and it’s accompanying ethics as possible) and it re-ignited my interest in recycling. I recycle most house-hold waste and rarely throw away things that could be used by someone else. However, reading on Freegans (many of whom get their food, clothes etc from bins) I realized that some people throw a lot of stuff away, not only things that are obviously suitable for handing over to charity or recycling but also clothes with holes in them, unwanted gifts, broken electrical items, and so on.
In some places in the UK they have piloted compulsory recycling - your bins get checked when they are emptied and if you persistently throw away things that could be recycled you get a fine. However, I believe that this should be extended, not just to things that are directly recyclable like fabrics and plastics but also to things like old TVs (which I’m sure can be salvaged for electrical scrap or fixed and given to people who can’t afford a TV) and old broken clothes which can be salvaged for fabric for new clothes, or, in some cases, repaired.
I realize it would be a massive operation, but if you sent along extra trucks alongside those that collect rubbish, to collect unwanted or broken items for repair/charity and then these products were then distributed either directly to those who needed them or to charity shops (and I think a large part of the reason why people throw things away is because they can’t be arsed to get them to a charity shop or think they can’t be used for anything) then not only would we see an decrease in the size of rubbish dumps and less damage to the environment but also a greater community spirit (you know you’re helping people) and a greater appreciation of the role of consumption in our lives. If it could be made to apply to industry too - so if all the barely-past-it’s-date food that supermarkets throw away could be sent to soup kitchens etc - I can’t help but think that it would make a hell of a difference.
It may cost a few jobs if people buy less and simply adopt a ‘Freecycle’ approach to obtaining what they need/want (though I am in no way suggesting abandoning totally) but it would also create jobs - people collecting and sorting through unwanted goods, greater employment in factories which re-process plastics etc, people working in electrical repair, people restoring toys etc. As to where the money to pay them would come from… well, I’m not sure yet. This is the problem with my idea - it is full of holes, but I can’t see them all, because I’m a bit biased. I also know that the powers of capitalism would kick up a fuss, but nonetheless I do think it’s an interesting idea. Plus, my university course is almost over and I need something to do whilst I look for a job, so looking into this idea and drafting up a well-written proposal to send to my MP might be the perfect thing. Not likely to make a difference, I know, but eh, you gotta try, right? 
Like I said, I haven’t thought through this properly yet, the idea has only come to me recently. I haven’t even begun to look into costs and budgeting and the additional traffic all this product-moving would create. Therefor, let me apologize in advance for any glaring errors or raging naivety which I display. I don’t mind criticism - if you think it’s a crappy idea, say so. There’s every chance that I’m just deluding myself. All input is appreciated