Bargain hunters can swap tat for treasure this weekend - without a penny changing hands.

Household items are up for grabs at 17 swap shops tomorrow, where people can ditch their clutter and pick up other people's old goods for free. The events are being organised by Oxfordshire community action groups to find new homes for items that would otherwise go to landfill.

There will be six swap shops in Oxford and others in Abingdon, Faringdon, Buscot, Charlbury, Didcot, Wallingford, Sutton Courtenay, Thame, and Wheatley, all open from 10am to 2pm.

The aim is to cut down on household waste, as by 2009 councils will fined if they do not meet national landfill targets.

Howie Watkins, manager of scrapstore Orinoco at the Bullingdon Community Centre in Headington, said: "If you've ever walked past a skip or visited a recycling centre and been upset at all the great stuff being thrown away, then this is an event you'll love."

Some of the shops are being held in community halls, and others are taking place on the street, signposted by green balloons.

Elaine Stearne, of Sunnymead Community Action Group, Summertown, said: "All we have to do is collect a green balloon from our street noticeboard in Harpes Road and attach it to our unwanted item outside our door. It's as easy as putting out your recycling for collection."

People can drop off toys, clothes, books, plants, ornaments, pictures, furniture, paint and tools, but not electrical items. Goods can be picked up for free without a straight swap.

For details, visit www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk or call 01865 815871.

WHERE TO GO: OXFORD: Barracks Lane Community Garden, East Oxford; Bullingdon Community Centre, Peat Moors, Headington; St Margaret's Institute, Polstead Road, North Oxford; Waterways Development, off Woodstock Road; Harpes Road, Summertown ABINGDON: Long Furlong Community Centre, Boulter Drive BUSCOT: Village Hall CHARLBURY: Memorial Hall, Brown's Lane DIDCOT: Ladygrove Community Centre, Tamar Way FARINGDON: Orchard Hill SUTTON COURTENAY: Barrett's Way, Bradstock's Way, and Tyrrell's Way THAME: Christ Church, Upper High Street WALLINGFORD: Regal Centre, St Martin's Street WHEATLEY: The Merry Bells, High Street