Have you heard of Freecycle.org?

[pretty cheap jewelry]

Freecycle.org is a local based group in which folks give stuff away so as not to throw it away.

It is a totally non political, non commercial, etc etc etc.

If you go to the main page 'freecycle.org' then to your region and specific area you will be asked to join as a yahoo group. Then you can receive all posts (your in box will fill up fast beware) or just check posts at your leisure when you log in to your local site.

You are allowed to post 'wanted' items, but this is not the main purpose.

The giver picks a receiver and they work out the pick up (the reciever is generally obligated to pick up the item).

It is really useful, ie I watch for firewood for my indoor potbellied stove. There are many items that go past, furniture, baby stuff, used computers.

(somebody tell me why my website address is not 'clickable'

[Fern]

have used freecycle frequently.

i believe if you put www. in front of your website address, it will become clickable.

[MonkeyMama]

Yes, I use them all the time and think it is the best thing since sliced bread - hehe.

Particularly for stuff that is crappy, but not really trash. & that whole big realm of not really donatable goods that you just can't bear to throw out. I don't like to throw out perfectly good thing, so it has really helped me to declutter. Most of the people have been extremely grateful/gracious. A nice community.

I have an old amoire type thing I have been meaning to refinish - my boss gave it to me ages to go. It is not worth the time to sell it, but if refinished and fixed up a bit could be really nice, the item I have to freecycle this week. If I post it today it will be gone tomorrow. I have tried to give things away to friends that sit in the garage for ages, so it is really nice if you just want something out of your hair. IT will be gone fast.

I have freecycled old stationary, an old BBQ grill, lots of knick knacks, toys, baby items... Oh yeah - old printers and computers - stuff we never got around to disposing of properly. An old washer and dryer too (broken). A few times I had popped on and some people were looking for some items I had - old (used) Starbucks gift cards, formula cans (empty) and a rat cage. It is kind of spooky when you log on and see someone is looking for something you were about to throw away or forgot you had sitting in the garage gathering dust. Unfortunately I only usually pop on when I have something to be rid of.

[frugalmomof1]

I have only used freecycle once....I got a really nice pool ladder!
I have a washing machine that I will offer when DH decides to take it out of the basement, and will probably offer my refrigerator when I get a new one!

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by pretty cheap jewelry

somebody tell me why my website address is not 'clickable'

Because you have only typed text in your signature. You need to use the appropriate syntax to format a link.

[url=http://www.yourwebsite.com]name of site[/url]

[cschin4]

I have looked into and really just don't see the point. It is much easier for me to take stuff I don't want and drop at Goodwill. And, I can take a tax deduction as well. With freecycle I would have to set up a meet time, etc. But, I do think it is a good idea and I check it out every now and then. I would probably use it to give away stuff that is too big to carry out such as mattresses or other furniture.

[MonkeyMama]

Cschin4 - oh it is SO much easier. You post something, you get 100 replies with a minute (exaggerating a but but about how it goes). You set it on the front porch and e-mail your address to the first person. IT's gone the next day. ABout how it has gone for me, but being in the big city really helps I guess. IF someone doesn't show when they said, just e-mail the next person on the list. This has only happened to me once though - a no-show. The item was still gone within 24 hours though - plenty of interest.

Most of the stuff I have given away Goodwill would not take anyway. To me it is such a pain to gather up everything and drive down to Goodwill. But I generally prefer online shopping so online donating goes the same way I guess - convenient for me.

It is really nice for the BIG things - that is for sure. Goodwill & some of the others can be pretty picky though they will pick up. Freecycle is a great alternative for that stuff no one will take. I Think that is more the aim of freecycle. To recycle stuff that is generally trashed.

Donatable items are maybe better for donation because you have more security that it is going to a good cause and it is tax-deductible. THat is agreed.

[LuxLiving]

I've freecycled landscaping rocks - trust me Goodwill wouldn't of wanted them! I got my portable dishwasher from a freecycler - have given aways lots of old furnishings, ladies saddle, exercise equipment, computer parts, etc. I think you'll find lots of us on this forum are freecyclers!