Recycling Made Easy with FreeCycle

FreeCycle.org is a great way to recycle things that you no longer want but could still be used. There are common factors that everyone has on FreeCycle. Common factor number one is that everyone has things they no longer want but others can use. Common factor number two is that we all need or want something that we would rather not spend the money on if we don't have to. That is where FreeCycle comes into play. If you want to recycle your old things by giving them to someone who may need them, this is definitely the place to go. The FreeCycle website was pure genius on the part of those who thought up the idea.

How FreeCycle works:

1. Signing up for FreeCycle is easy. Go to the website and open an account. You will first have to put in your zip code so it knows what area you are in. This is very important because you are sharing with people in the same general area as you. Join the County group in your area once you get in. This will give you a wider range of people to recycle your used things and to find things that you might need as well.

2. Clean the house and put the things you no longer want into a pile. Now go through the pile and decide if it is truly something that someone else may want. You would be surprised what kinds of things people want. There have even been postings for old cardboard rolls from paper towels listed. Why? Because many daycares and schools use these for arts and crafts projects. So do parents at times. If it is an old broken piece of junk, it could still be used in some cases.

3. Post what you want to give away. Everything you post on this site has to be free of charge. Whatever the item is, be specific enough to let the person know if there are problems with it. For instance, if you have an old computer tower that no longer works, someone may be able to use it. Such cases would be students learning how to repair computers or a novice who is just curious about the inner workings of the computer. Whatever the item is, be honest about it's condition. This gives the person who wants it enough information to know if they will want it once they see it. It's only fair. Don't expect someone to pick something up that you aren't honest about.

4. Have email alerts sent to you so that when others post something, you will know it. There are often things on FreeCycle that you wouldn't even think about. Getting the email alerts gives you a better chance of actually getting the item. There are some very hot items that are going on FreeCycle and a lot of people can answer for one posting. The email updates give you the opportunity to be one of the first to respond.

5. If you have a need for something, post it on FreeCycle. Many people do this to put the alert there for anyone that may be posting that item later on. You post this much in the same way that you would something that you are giving away, but you are posting a want instead of a give. Just keep in mind that the items you get on FreeCycle are used and sometimes they are very well used.

6. Pick ups are done in this fashion. The item is usually placed outside the home of the person giving it away. The person that is picking it up is told the address and the location of the item in an email. The person that wants the item picks it up and there is no contact, usually, with the person who is giving it away other than email. It is extremely important that you pick up items that you have claimed. If you have changed your mind, let the person know so they can either repost or go down the previous list of people who responded. If it is a large item, make sure that you have enough people to help lift it and a away to transport it. You will almost always have to find your own way of getting the item back to your home.

This is an excellent way to recycle your old things. You don't have to set up at a yard sale and sit there all day, you don't have to worry about hauling anything to the dump and you will be helping the environment all at the same time. Everyone wins in this situation. If you decide that you don't like the site, you can always delete you membership and be done with it. Everyone should give it a try though.