Do you 'freecycle'?

**khaski** · 06-13-2011, 12:45 PM

It's a website where people post, and take, items of all kinds for free. No trading, just free. It's an honor system thing, so of course people really aren't supposed to just TAKE but also offer up items they no longer use. I like it a lot, just get frustrated at people who say they'll come but never do (no shows, all too common).

My best finds on there: a wooden swingset, complete with slide and glider and swings, someone just needed GONE, a toy organizer, free fresh eggs.

Larger things I've given away on there: toys, a stereo system, cloth hardware wire, a changing table.

The website is specific to your locality, google it to check it out! 'Good' items go fast, it's a bit of luck to get the things -everybody- wants (like that swingset.....would have costs $800+ new, I got it because the first person backed out, i was #2 'in line' for it). I have generally had good experiences with it...how has everyone done, if you already use it?

**acidcookie** · 06-13-2011, 03:38 PM

I used to use it all the time for giving and taking when I lived in Central PA; the community was very active there (probably partly because of the large grad student population there). But here in Hilton Head the freecycle is a graveyard. Guess everyone else around here is too rich

**zakity** · 06-13-2011, 04:08 PM

I do somewhat. Our area one isn't very big and one guy kept trying to get everything.

And then, one of the last times I posted something, I got spammed by some religious fanatics. I don't mind a "come to my church" or "may God bless you, here is my information if a prayer is needed" email. But these were flat out "come to my church and believe as I do or you will got to Hell" emails (note the "s", it was more than one). (Side note: The moderater was "johnny on the spot" to ban the person.)

I am sure we will have tons more to post on there. We are cleaning out the house like we are moving. I am sure that freecycle and Goodwill will be awfully familiar to us this year.

**AmyBoz** · 06-13-2011, 04:12 PM

I do, I do! Love Freecycle! I've been able to give away so much that wasn't trash, but that we weren't using anymore.

**Labontet** · 06-13-2011, 04:27 PM

I really like Freecycle. I have given away way more things than I have gotten, but that is ok. I do not check it out that often so I miss out on so much. It is a wonderful way to get rid of things that just sit around gathering dust and taking up space.

**MissSeetonFan** · 06-13-2011, 06:23 PM

Freecycle around here is so active that unless you have your computer open to it at all times so that new posts ping you as they appear, you can never get anything. Of course, that means it is easy to get rid of things but I can never acquire things through it because my computer isn't open 24/7 to the alerts.

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-13-2011, 08:42 PM

I did once but due to no-shows and issues with the moderators I dropped out. It was easier to just take a load down to the charity shop when I wanted to get rid of things.

I recently signed back up to our local group to find it next to dead. Mostly 'wants' posted now, and no response to mine. I dropped it again after 10 days.

**Daisygirl** · 06-13-2011, 09:01 PM

I looooove Freecycle.

I'm a firm believer in "Freecycle Karma". If you receive, you sould be certain to give. Although you can't trade, you can definitely pay it forward.

**TheresaRHPS** · 06-14-2011, 11:38 AM

I've used it a couple of times. I got rid of a lot of books and baby stuff when my son outgrew certain things. I've only lucked out and gotten ONE thing, though. It was an assortment of vintage hats. THAT was awesome! I had put in a "Want" for vintage costume-type items and had a lady who had two big boxes of hats.

Other than that...no luck on anything and most of the time, its a pain. My baby items were claimed within minutes, but I continued to get flooded with emails asking about them for the next week. Whenever I see something offered I would like, there's usually a condition I can't meet...such as HAS to be picked up between a certain time on a certain day, type stuff.

**krbshappy71** · 06-14-2011, 11:58 AM

I love freecycle, I don't love seeing an item that I wanted to be sold on my work's classified ads.

It REALLY IRKS ME. But that aside I do love freecycle. I received 3 nice oil lamps from there, tons of candles, books, etc.

I use it for more specific items that I want to give away. General stuff like clothes I usually give to Goodwill.

**ladykemma2** · 06-14-2011, 02:28 PM

freecycle got on my nerves.

in my neighborhood if you don't want something, put it on the curb. it will be gone in an hour. i consider that recycling.

**annymoll** · 06-14-2011, 02:53 PM

I do not use it. If we have something we do not need we just set it by the curb with a free sign. It is always gone the next day. I take clothing and other items to our church clothes closet.We do most of our bartering with other church members, friends and family.

**khaski** · 06-15-2011, 01:56 PM

Soliciting isn't allowed, nor is taking things to sell....but of course, you find dishonest people who refuse to follow the rules everywhere.....curb side doesn't work so well where we live as it's a pretty rural area and we don't have a lot of traffic on our road, though I do -find- things this way from time to time on the busier roads. As for the church goers spamming...nothing says 'God's love' like threats of hellfire!