Over 20,000 people have now used the FREE TRADE service on the Dublinwaste.ie website. Since its launch in 2006 by the four Dublin local authorities, there have been over three million visits to Dublinwaste.ie’s FREE Trade service and it has facilitated the reuse of thousands of household items.

Launched in May 2004 as the cornerstone of the Dublin Waste Awareness Campaign, Dublinwaste.ie aims to educate and raise awareness of waste prevention and recycling among householders in the region. This innovative section of the website is succeeding in facilitating reuse of items in the community and allows people to pass on or pick up unwanted goods in Dublin free of charge. Once registered, users can browse the online database for items or set up an account and start listing their unwanted – or wanted goods.

Everything from furniture to top soil and toys to mobile homes are up for grabs on the site and the number of items being traded has grown by over 22 per cent in the past year. The Dublin woman who became the 20,000th person to use the service by giving away a beanbag for free is receiving a gift from Dublin City Council to mark the milestone of 20,000 quality goods being saved from landfill and put to good use by new owners.

RPS maintains and manages the website and its support services for the four Dublin local authorities and hosts extensive information on all aspects of waste management; from waste reduction tips at home, to tips for lowering bin charges and how to make quality compost. The website also features two interactive recycling search engines which guide users to their nearest bring bank or recycling centre. RPS is continuing to expand the functionality and capabilities of the site to increase user interaction.