Modern Reycycling: Websites that Offer Free Recycling Services

Before, recycling meant sorting out your glass from your paper and sticking it out in a bin by the side of the road. Today, recycling encompasses a wider variety of options. Today, recycling means reusing items like clothing, small appliances, furniture and more. Though garage sales are a great standby for purchasing gently (or sometimes, not-so-gently) used items, it's often a lot easier to find a specific item online. Here are a few great websites that offer ways to find and obtain items (either for free or for a small price,) whether you're an individual, a non-profit organization or even a business; making reusing, recycling and reducing a whole lot easier.

Freecycle

Freecycle was started in 2003 by Deron Beal. It was originally started to help out local Tuscan, Arizona residents but has since expanded to help communities all around the United States. Their mission is simple: to "reduce waste, save precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills."

Membership: It's free, through Yahoo! Groups; see the website for exact details on how to sign up.
Prices of Items: Free.
Where to Score Great Finds: If they don't have exactly what you need at the moment, be sure to post a WANTED ad for the item you're looking for.

Craigslist

Craigslist is an old standby and a great place to find a plethora of items, as well as garage sales, block sales or estate sales. If you're lucky, you can even get great deals on things like appliances, furniture, and even vehicles.

Membership: None, it's free!
Prices of Items: Prices can vary depending upon the specific item, it's quality, the amount available or who is offering it for sale.
Where to Score Great Finds: Craigslist currently has a "free" section on their website. Be sure to check it out regularly, people offer up items like moving boxes, holiday decor and much more.

Thingloop

Thingloop is a great idea: borrow items like tools, movies and books from people who already have them, and then return them when you're done. Easy and pie! Plus, the website has a tracking tool that helps you keep track of who has borrowed from you as well as who you've borrowed from. Need a jackhammer to redo your driveway, but don't want to rent or buy one? Use Thingloop, save money, space in your home and the environment all at once.

Membership: Free, but you do need to sign up for the website.
Prices of Items: Free, but you are borrowing and returning items rather than buying them for permanent use.
Where to Score Great Finds: All over the website!

Throwplace

The self-proclaimed Internet's Landfill Alternative, Throwplace lets you "throw" things to other people or charities for reuse, recycling or refurbishing and helps you find items through charities and other people.

Membership: Free, but you must join the website to use it's features.
Prices of Items: Free, some items are even tax-deductible for Fair Market Value when donated to an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charity in the United States.
Where to Score Great Finds: All over the website!