We do it all the time, have a good sort out then wonder what to do with all the things we know deep in our hearts that we don’t need any more. Some things can go in the recycling or in the bin. Others you may wish to donate to charity, but for many items that’s a bit impersonal, or maybe the items are large or don’t fit the charity shop parameters. Many for example will not take electrical items, and what on earth do you do with grandma’s piano or little Suzi’s first bicycle if you don’t feel they are worth trying to sell on?
What is Freecycle?
Freecycle is a worldwide network which allows you to make contact with local people and offer or request items. The only general rule is that the items must be genuinely free and that you must not request an item with the aim or reselling it.
How to take part:
All you have to do is go to www.freecycle.org and find your nearest group. Most will request that your first post is offering an item, but after that you are equally free to request something you might need.
What to expect:
Once you post your available item, any potential new owner will contact you by email to express an interest. Its entirely up to you who gets the object. Usually, they will come round or arrange to meet you at a mutually acceptable location to collect. That’s it, your unwanted item has gone to a new home and you haven’t added to the burden of landfill.
For a wanted item it works the same way. I might for example need some flowerpots, so I’d post a request and anyone with spare flowerpots would email me to say what they have. We take it from there as suits us both.
What appears on Freecycle?
I’ve seen household items, clothes, books, fish, even cars, a boat and a piano go on our local Freecycle. I’ve successfully rehomed plants, homebrew equipment, a printer and some antique bottles.
Give it a try, and work towards a clutter free home and a vibrant local community.
