How to Find an Alternative to Freecycle

Freecycle is a network where members offer or request items through Yahoo groups. However, Freecycle has its downfalls. Group leaders can be ruthlessly strict. People don’t always pick up right away or sometimes don’t show up at all. In addition, you take a safety risk when you invite a virtual stranger to your home. Many alternatives are easy to find.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit Yahoo to find similar online groups. Many Yahoo groups have the same philosophy and offer the same services as Freecycle. Sign up to use Craig's List, an online bulletin board where you can offer or receive items.
2. Recycle at your local transfer station. Visit your town website or transfer station to find out what you can recycle. Many towns have a section of the transfer station where people can donate unwanted items and take things left behind by others. Clothing, televisions, computer monitors, refrigerators, air conditioners, microwaves, freezers, books and carpeting are items that most transfer stations will accept.
3. Post in the classified section of your local newspaper or on the bulletin boards in supermarkets, community centers and pediatrician’s offices.
4. Place unwanted items in donation boxes provided by charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries and purchase many things at a reduced cost at their area stores.
5. Contact your family and friends. Let them know what you need or what you want to give away. Find out if they want to swap or lend you items that they no longer use.
6. Hold a yard sale or swap meet. Invite friends and family to help plan and participate in the event.
7. Sell or buy items at a community flea market. Check your local newspaper for upcoming events and look for ongoing seasonal flea markets held at racetracks, fairgrounds and parking lots. Many local organizations hold flea markets, such as the Lions and Elks clubs.

Tips & Warnings

• Guard your personal safety and identity. Provide only the most basic contact information necessary.
• When you offer items for pick up, leave them out by your curb or mailbox and away from your home or agree to meet the recipient in a public place such as a busy shopping mall area.
• Take a friend with you to pick up items and ask to pick up at the curb side or by the mailbox and away from the home, or ask to meet the person in a public area.