Freecycle- get stuff, give stuff

[nccatnip]

I just wanted to share a group I am a member on that might be of interest. Yahoo groups has one called Freecycle that is an effort for people to recycle stuff (no animals) instead of filling up the landfills. It is seperated by your county so everything is local. It is a great way to find things you need or dispose of stuff you don't want anymore. You cannot charge and you set up pick up or delivery if items.
I got a great spare refridge, cleaned out 5 truck loads of old hay, and recycled tons of other junk I would have otherwise had to pay someone to haul off.
Anyone else a member with info to share? Or know of any other groups similar?

 

[schmoo]

I am a member of my local freecycle too. I was able to give some of my sons clothes and toys to someone in need.
Just a word of caution you never know who you are dealing with on there, so be careful and meet in a public place to exchange items.

I am also a member of cheapcycle- its not free but its a yahoo group you can sell or buy items for cheap in your local area.

Actually they do allow posting free animals in my locale so they must vary in each city.

 

[2mnypets]

Yes, I am a part of Freecycle. In fact yesterday I got in touch with someone who was giving away fireplace grates. We are getting a wood burning stove for the other part of the house to help combat LP usage this winter. This is at least one thing that I won't have to purchace. I receive any new updates in my email so I always know what's available.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm a member of 2 Freecycles.

 

[robbobbin]

I'm also a member to 2 freecycles, and use them both everyday!
Excellent way to rehome extra roos.

 

[Davaroo]

I have freecycled since the idea was first around, I think. It can be a good way to be rid of still useful items or to pick up the occasional thing you may prove useful to you. Some things to remember:

1. Like BYC, FreeCyle has rules and is moderated.
Dont be a lunk head - read the rules and be a good citizen.

2. Animals are not a problem in my area.
I have given away scads of kitties and puppies to good home this way. When in doubt, follow #1.

3. Give away things that are worth having.
Don't try and palm off your broke down, crapped-out junk. If it belongs in the landfill or burn pit, take it there.

4. Understand what FREE means to some people.
For whatever reason, there are those who value nothing, even free goods. They dont show up to pick-up, they never call and they'll leave you hanging. You're giving them something worthwhile and they behave this way. The way to cope with this is to consider that nothing is gone til it drives away. Such folks are in the minority, but be prepared.

5. This being said, be careful about who you invite to your home to receive your goods. Use an unlisted phone #, dont be there alone and meet them away from the house, like at the end of the driveway. Sometimes I meet people/drop things off at convenient locations while Im out on errands. Cellphones make all this very practical.

Fortunately, most people using FreeCycle are fellow veggie eatin', greeniepeacenik, tree-hugger types and I have met some great people this way.

 

[okiechick57]

My coop was pretty much built from freecycle things.I am a member of about 5 local groups here in Okc....love them. have thrown anything away , and I mean ANYTHING . I am amazed what comes and goes........

 

[Zenbirder]

Thanks nccatnip, You got a new convert today! I signed up for my local group. Because we are so rural there isn't a lot going on, but every bit helps. Our country would be a lot better off if more people participated.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I've responded to the same guy 3 times because he wanted Pokemon cards for his son. He's never shown up!!!
So yesterday, he wants an IPod for his son...DELETE!!!
un
There's even been people that want expensive stuff for free. I've gotten a Radio Flyer and a laptop computer, that's a paperweight, but once DH gets it up and running, I'll have a nice wordprocessor. I've even gotten a 5 pound bag of apples!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Yes, I rarely read ours anymore because of the deluge of messages from people wanting something free. It seems everybody has a hard luck story and wants something.

I do give away a lot of things on there though. I am a pack rat and refuse to throw anything anyway that could be useful for something. So every now and again I'll clean out the garage and post a list of stuff to give away. I get replies within minutes. It doesn't take long for people to come and get things around here. There are numerous people on our list who watch the posts like a hawk to make sure they don't miss any of the "good stuff".