Who has visited the site called freecycle ? It IS a really great idea for recycling unwanted goods. What have?

Question

been your experiences? If you have not yet had any dealings with this do you know someone who has?

What was the barter?

http://www.freecycle.org/

Answer 1

If you have some time spare and can collect it’s a good thing, particularly if you’re on a budget. It does help to have a car if your collecting, but you can advertise walking distance of your area. The aim is to recycle and to keep in use usable items that otherwise would end up in landfill.

I'm in a British city and get around 6 digests a day of activity. Some things offered can get a lot of people mailing to say they’d like it, it’s up to the person offering to decide who best deserves it (you have to make a case). But for getting rid of things that are still serviceable it’s a good idea and generally works well. I have asked for items and been offered them (not every time mind).

One problem is having the time to keep up with it. I work in the week so ignore those mails. By the time I get round to reading them the items are usually already gone.

And read the terms, if you advertise for something and aren’t lucky straight away, you can’t ask again until a couple of weeks have gone by.

Answer 2

Freecycle is an awesome program. I have given away so much stuff that was no longer of value to me, however somebody else got stuff that they could use. I feel good in my heart when people come to pick up the items as I know that they are not going into the landfill sites.

Answer 3

I love freecycle.  I have been a member for years in multiple places that I have lived.  It is all free, but the rules can vary from group to group.  For example, some groups allow people to offer unwanted animals, but most groups do not.  Just today I gave away a pair of tennis shoes that my daughter refuses to wear, and later picked up a coffee maker from a different person (to replace the one I just broke).  Not only does it keep perfectly good items out of landfills, but you know that the person the item goes to actually wants or needs the item.  Not for profit groups can also ask for things.  The main thing to remember is, the items have to be free, and you can't ask for a service (ie. "someone to change the oil in my car").  Some groups focus on building community too and actually have picnics or swaps (like a giant yard sale, but everything is free).  It can be a lot of fun, and you are helping the environment at the same time!

Answer 4

I have found extra material scraps and craft items. my husband has gotten quite a bit of computer parts to build computers for the disabled people where we live. We have even gotten the newest member of the family on free cycle(a kitty).We have not had an option to let go of some things, we usually send those to the goodwill. I love free cycle in my area.

Answer 5

Hi! I used it quite a bit, a couple of years ago, when I was clearing our my parents' house. I gave away about a ton of yard goods

(material) for clothing, and a lot of miscellany. It's a great site. It does not require anything except that you give something away. It will even allow you to post a occasional "want". I did see several 'have---, will trade for--' ads too.

The site I used also posted safety hints so that if you were shy or whatever, you need not give out your address to anyone. You know: 'Meet on the corner of Walk and Don't Walk at 1:00 p.m.'

It was very, very useful.

It's a great idea! I'm glad someone thought of it! This is a wonderful way to put unneeded/unwanted items into the hands of someone who DOES want/need them.

Thanks. This is a great Q., and a good way to spread the "word". }:>

Answer 6

I've used Freecycle in my area to unload an unwanted television when I bought a bigger one last year. I also gave away a small dining room table and chairs. You don't necessarily trade -- you can give away free and clear, without asking for payment of any kind. All I asked was for the people to come pick it up from my apartment.

Answer 7

You use the main site to find your local Freecycle group, then join that. No barter, everything must be no strings attached.

I've used Freecycle to unload *a lot* of stuff left by a previous owner. Old magazines, clothing, scrap wood, kid stuff, extra holiday decorations...

In turn I've gotten craft material for my Girl Scouts, needed clothing, and odds and ends for around the house (my personal rule is more stuff has to go *out* on Freecycle than comes back in!)

I'd definitely recommend you check your local group out!