How to Recycle With Freecycle While Getting or Giving Free Items

The Freecycle Network is a grassroots, not for profit movement made up of 4,328 groups. Freecycle started as an environmental program to keep items out of the landfills that could be reused. A great success, thousands of items have been given and received since inception. Freecycle groups have spread, giving and getting stuff for free in towns across the country. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer. Membership is free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Good quality items you would like to give away
• Transportation to pick up your items

1. Log onto the local freecycle site Know that the local freecycle site (see link in Resources) makes available a list of items being offered and you can request or offer items you have available as well.
2. The freecycle logo Type the city and state you reside in into the search bar at the top of the freecycle page. You will be taken to the appropriate freecycle group. Or click on the link, "browse groups," at the top of the browser.
3. Sign up to have the daily freecycle list sent to your e-mail, join the freecycle group through Yahoo! and Google groups or you can go onto the site to see what is being offered.
4. Know that if you would like to have something that has been posted to give away, there will be an small envelope next to the item posted so that you respond to by email to see if the item is still available and where to go to get it.
5. Placing items to be picked up on a porch or in a yard protects your privacy. Be aware that most people leave items on a porch or other designated area for you to come pick the item(s) up.

Tips & Warnings

• Each group has a moderator.
• Any item you wish to give away needs to be in very good condition and clean.
• Not for profit groups, in most areas, are encouraged to participate as well