Use Freecycle.Org To Get Free Stuff and Help Others

Freecycling started in 2003, with a desire to put items no longer needed to good use, rather than recycle them. As it is typically said, "One man's trash, is another man's treasure." Not only does this help both donator (via tax deduction) and receiver out financially, but also helps out our environment (less resources used compared to recycling items and purchasing new ones). It is so much easier to post and give an item that you view as having value (but just can no longer use) to someone that you know wants that item and will use it, than it is to give to a typical charity that will place it in a thrift shop. Freecycling is so much more personal, and gives you a sense of community.

GO TO THE FREECYCLE WEB SITE

Go to the Freecycle.org website.

FIND A FREECYCLE GROUP NEAR YOU

On the main page you will see a search box, to "Find a group near you". First search on just your state, and you will be given a list of the Freecycle Groups in your state. Many are listed by city, but you may also see a listing by county, a group of cities or counties, or even a portion of the state. Find the group or groups that are close to where you live.

If you live outside the United States, choose "Browse Groups" at the top of the page, then "Other Countries", then choose your country.

SIGN UP FOR THE GROUP(S) NEAR YOU

After you have found the groups near you, click on a group you are interested in. This will lead you to a page that will tell you how many people are active in that group, and give you a link to visit that group's page. Click on this link. Then click on "Join this Group". When you join the group, you will be given an option to receive emails
when each person offers an item, receive one email per day with all listings, or you can always visit your group online to view listings and post your own.

NOTE: If you do not have a Yahoo account, you will need to sign up for a free Yahoo account before you join a Freecycle group.

SIGN UP FOR ADDITIONAL GROUPS

If there are other groups that you are interested in, sign up for them as you did in step 3. For instance, I am part of two groups (one for a large city near me, and one for my county).

POST YOUR OFFERS

Once you have identified the items that you can no longer use in your home, you are ready to post your offers. Go to each of the Freecycle groups you are a member of. Click on "Start Topic". Start your post with "OFFER:" and then list the name of the item. Give as much information as possible (such as condition, if a part is missing, or if something needs to be fixed), and any special requests (such as needs to be picked up before this weekend). You will then receive emails from the people that are interested in your item, and and make arrangements with that person for them to pick up your item.

NOTE: You don't have to give it to the first person that email you if you don't choose to. There are times when you will get an email from someone in great need, and decide to give your item to them. Or you may choose the person that can pick up your item sooner. This is completely up to you.

POST YOUR REQUESTS

If there is something that you are in need (or want) of, and you think someone may have it around the house, give it a try and ask. Go to each of the Freecycle groups you are a member of . Click on "Start Topic". Start your post with "REQUEST:", then list the name of the item you are requesting. Writing a sentence or two about why you are looking for the item will make your posting more personal. Don't be upset if you don't have a response. But on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to ask.

RESPOND TO SOMEONE ELSE'S POST

Whether you receive emails with the postings, or decide to just use the web site. You will at least occasionally see an item you are interested in. Reply to the email, and tell the person you are interested in the item and when you can pick it up. If you are using the web site, click on the Reply button to reply to the offer. The person offering the item will either make arrangements for you to pick up the item, or say that they have already offered it to someone else. For some highly desired items the poster can receive many responses over a short period of time. Be patient and again it doesn't hurt to ask!