Families in Swansea are beating the credit crunch by swapping unwanted items online for goods instead of having to pay for them.
The Swap Shop website, set up by Swansea Council has seen the 1,000th item added to the site since it was launched two years ago.
The aim of the site is to provide a service via the web where the public can advertise unwanted items or acquire items that are too good to simply throw away.
Everyday items such as kitchen equipment, televisions and bikes are being offered as well as more unusual items like caravans and dog kennels.
Recycling Officers in Swansea have labelled the site a great success saying that Swansea Swap Shop is not only benefiting the public but also the environment.
Trish Flint, Swansea Council's Recycling Officer, said, "We're delighted with the success of the website. It's giving people the opportunity to pass on their unwanted items to others instead of them ending up in landfill. It also gives users the opportunity of obtaining items they want without handing over any cash. With all the focus on the credit crunch at the moment, the site is a prefect way for people to save money and still get things they want."
"But even if people don't use the website and have to dispose of household items after a sort out, they can take them to any one of the civic amenity sites operating in Swansea."
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said, "This is a wonderful idea. We have a huge task in front of us in terms of reducing landfill and achieving the strict allowances which decrease each year. This scheme is currently helping us to achieve those targets by diverting unwanted items from landfill sites."
If you have anything to swap or just want to get rid of something from the home check out the website and help the environment. www.swansea.gov.uk/swapshop