FreeTradeIreland.ie will officially launch today, letting people and businesses pick up and pass on items for free, such as furniture, electronics, tools and music instruments.
The online service, to be officially launched today by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, is free to use. People can view or post ads for items once they are a member of the site.
According to FreeTrade Ireland, items posted up are in good condition, full working order and can be reused. The site aims to prevent usable items going to the landfill in order to increase their lifespans and help the environment.
“FreeTradeIreland.ie gives items a new life and a new home and greatly benefits people in terms of time and cost savings, as well as reducing pollution on the environment,” said Hugh Coughlan, spokesperson for FreeTradeIreland.ie.
“The service is completely free to use whether you want to post a free ad offering your item or whether you are looking to obtain an item for free. The focus is on quality, usable items and so far we have had people offering mobile homes, pianos, a fitted kitchen, music systems, as well as office filing systems, sofas and beds. All items are welcome and all items are available for free.
“As well as the environmental benefits, the reuse of items between users has a social dimension and has been shown to foster community spirit,” said Coughlan.
The Free Trade service originated as a regional reuse service for Dublin on DublinWaste.ie in 2006. It is supported by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and is funded by the Local Authorities across Ireland.
Its success saw it expand to FreeTradeIreland.ie in July 2010 and since then, more than 38,000 items have found new homes.
Nearly 1m people have visited the site since its initial release. Along with the site, FreeTradeIreland.ie has a Facebook page and an app for iOS and Android devices.
