All over the world networks of individuals have been swapping the things they no longer need with likeminded individuals, safe in the knowledge that they are disposing of their goods in a responsible way and perhaps hopeful they will benefit from a similar bargain in the future.

These networks were inspired by the grassroots Freecycle organisation that was born in Tuscon, Arizona, and became a global phenomenon. In general they have been ‘underground’ networks out of the public eye but now the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Vincent Jackson, has announced the Irish capital will be running a similar scheme at the taxpayer’s expense.

The Free Trade service will be run by the city’s four local authorities and those wanting to get rid of unwanted items will be able to post a description on a council-hosted website in the hopes that somebody else in the city will be more than happy to take it off their hands.

“Now that we have established a strong network of recycling facilities in Dublin and the public are actively recycling, we are moving our focus to encouraging people to reuse as well,” said the Lord Mayor.

Sam Bond

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