Join a Freecycle Community

Save Money and Help Others with The Freecycle Network™

Nov 1, 2007
Shelley Elmblad

Freecycle groups are an example of how we can act locally while having a global effect, save money and help others keep a frugal lifestyle as well.

Launched in 2003 by a Tucson, Arizona environmentalist, the Freecycle Network™ provides an organized system for finding free items in good condition that are no longer wanted by others, and for giving away items you no longer need. Anything from toys to clothes, from furniture to appliances, from books to bikes can be offered for the taking in Freecycle groups. These Freecycle communities not only offer the benefit of acquiring and getting rid of items at no cost, this initiative also keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills.

Where Are Freecycle Communities?

There are Freecycle communities in over 70 countries around the world. There are over 4,000 Freecycle groups and millions of members, and these groups all start with an online group, usually hosted by Yahoo Groups.

Search for a group near you by browsing:

Freecycle groups in the United States

Freecycle groups in Canada

Freecycle groups in the United Kingdom

Freecycle groups in over 20 other countries

When you find a Freecycle group in your area, just click on the link to the group web page. Read the group details and click on the Join this Group link. Read about how to use Yahoo! Groups if you are unfamiliar with them and before signing up for a Freecycle group.

How Do Freecycle Groups Work?

After you sign up for the Freecycle group, you will be able to read about what free items are available and you will be able to post the free things you want to give away. If you are interested in receiving a free item that is posted, email the giver directly to arrange for pick up. When you offer an item on a Freecycle group, you will likely get more than one person who is interested in the item. You can choose the first person who contacts you, or any one of the interested parties and then email them or call them to arrange for pick up.

Freecycle Group Rules

Only legal items can be given away (no guns, drugs, alcohol, etc.).
No advertising is allowed in Freecycle groups.
Keep your beliefs and opinions to yourself. Freecycle groups are only for providing information regarding offers and receipt of free items.
No exchanges are to take place. Give and receive items with no strings attached.

Visit www.freecycle.org to get more details, or to start a group if there is not already a Freecycle group in your area.