That old microwave oven that does not match your new kitchen need not be placed outside your door for the bulky refuse truck.

The overworked fridge may still have some life left in it and there may be someone out there interested in using it – or reusing.

A new website called Reuse is aimed at doing just that – acting as a platform where people can get rid of their old stuff while others, who have a use for it, get hold of it for free.

The aim is environmental – to encourage recycling and to reduce the volume of waste that makes it to WasteServ for disposal.

The website, reuse.com.mt, was launched by WasteServ yesterday on the occasion of the waste management company’s 10th anniversary.

“Although recycling is a very important ­element of waste management, the first step should always be producing as little waste as possible and this includes lengthening the lifespan of products we buy as much as possible,” WasteServ chairman Ben Farrugia said. The website works very similarly to an online shopping store – with the difference that there is no payment.

Anyone who has something to donate must register on the site, upload a photo and details of the object and provide a contact number.

A listing will be removed automatically 30 days after being posted or can be removed at will.

Items can be listed under a series of titles that include: household appliance, phones and electronics, toys children and babies, sport and leisure, pet and garden, and arts and crafts.

People in search of used treasures can then surf the site, contact the relevant person, and make arrangements for delivery.

“Since all items are provided free of charge, consider making a small donation to charity… Spread the word. Encourage your friends to start re-using,” the Reuse website says on its instruction page.