Freecycle groups have formed in cities all over the world, keeping items out of the landfills and saving money for members. It's easy and free to get involved in this growing movement.
What is Freecycle?
Freecycle is a free service powered by Yahoo Groups. Freecycle groups are based locally, generally in areas close enough to drive in 15-20 minutes. Often there will be multiple groups in regional areas. There are nearly 5,000 groups and more than 6.5 million members around the world. Local groups are run by moderators, who are volunteers.
Items are offered to the group, or requested from the group by members and claimed or provided by other members. No exchange or money or non-monetary compensation is permitted – there can be no strings attached to an offer. No advertisements veiled as offers are permitted (such as buy one, get one offers). Many groups disallow solicitation even in standard email signatures. All posts must be legal and appropriate for all ages (no prescription drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, pornography etc.)
Finding a Freecycle Group
To find a group, visit Freecycle.org. Either enter a city name, or click the menu link to browse groups. If there is no local group, there is a link at the bottom of the browse groups page to apply for a new one.
If a match is found, follow the instructions on the page to join the group. Some groups will have instant acceptance, some memberships must be first approved by a moderator. Each group has slightly different rules, which will likely arrive by email after acceptance. Be sure to read and follow these rules, which generally protect the safety and experience of all members, or moderators may restrict or suspend members.
How Freecycle Works
Members send emails to the group with an information subject line. Most groups use the following format:
- OFFER: Item Name (general location)
- WANTED: Item Name (general location)
- TAKEN: Item Name (general location)
- RECEIVED: Item Name (general location)
Those wanting an offer or fulfilling a request reply directly to the sender, so that everyone does not have to read all of those emails. Before replying, be sure to look ahead for a TAKEN or RECEIVED post in which case another member has already claimed or provided the item.
Tips on Using Freecycle
The keys to getting items through Freecycle are speed, attention to detail and courtesy. Many posters want items gone fast – the first responder or the person who can pick up the quickest will often get the item. Users who receive emails on digest, or who aren't often at the computer get great items more rarely than those who see emails in real time and respond as they arrive. Be sure to read the post and follow instructions. If asked to provide an intended pickup time, do so, or the response will likely be passed over in favor of someone else. Also, courtesy matters. Members do not generally select rude or creepy responses.
Don't be a flake. Freecyclers tend to remember users who don't show up when they say they will and will not offer things to them again. Repeated flakes get reported to moderators and can be banned from the group.
Offer anything. As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Freecycle isn't just about free stuff – it's about reducing waste and curtailing consumerism by reusing and repurposing items. Before throwing something out, even if it's hard to imagine what someone else might do to it, give posting a try.
Freecycle is a great way to repurpose items, keep them out of landfills and save money. For more information on these topics see Children's Books for Free or Cheap and Kitchen Composting Ideas.
Nicki Heskin - Nicki Heskin lives with her husband and two incredible daughters, ages 9 and 5, in Claremont, California. Over the years, she's had an ...
Join the Conversation