How to Recycle, Give and Get Free Stuff in Your Hometown

Give Stuff, Get Stuff and Recycle!

Freecycle is a 100 percent non-profit organization that gives people an opportunity to get and give away usable items. The point is to keep items in good condition out of the landfill. With Freecycle, a person can offer, for free, any item that he would like to get rid of. Members can also browse the group emails for free stuff. The only catch is Freecycle does not pick up or deliver anything. All material exchanges have to be arranged between the participating members.

Things You'll Need

• stuff in good shape to give away
• internet and email

Instructions

1. Visit Freecycle.org. Type the name of your city and state in the search box.

2. If there is a Freecycle connection in your hometown, you must become a member before you can see any of the items. Membership is free, but not automatic. There will be a delay in approval since the organization expects you to read its rules and guidelines, and it checks each membership application to block spam and porn. Volunteer members will also moderate the first few posts of any member.

3. Set up a separate email account for Freecycle offers, or select the "Daily Digest" that sends up to 25 emails a day. Freecycle communities in big cities could have hundreds of members and the email notices can quickly clog an inbox.

4. Once you are approved into the group, you are expected to follow its rules and regulations. Posting wanted ads is frowned upon. Asking for free items is sometimes allowed, but mostly the service is just to alert you to items available. Check the pages frequently for newly posted items, and post your own whenever you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Beyond freecycle, you can always recycle items at designated recycling bins. You can also make donations to local shelters, which will recycle anything they don't need.

• No porn, no spam, no selling

• Do not join unless you have an interest in giving and receiving items for free

References

• Freecycle