My finds on Freecycle

[Le Taz Hot]

I know that not all Freecycles are alike but I managed to hook up with a REALLY good one on Yahoo Groups (just type in your zip code and they'll hook you up with the closest one to your area). I don't know if this is a rule for all of Yahoo's Freecycles but on mine, you can't put out a Wanted unless you put out an Offer first so it evens things out a bit. I've only been on this site for about 2 months and so far, it's been a real success.

Offer: An ancient transcriber that has been sitting here collecting dust for probably 15 years.
Received: A HUGE bag of canning rings and seals worth approximately $200.00. (I'm a home canner.)

Offer: Bergenias I had dug out of my yard (we're re-landscaping the front.)
Received: Child's car seat AND a little Fred Flintstone-type pedal car (thrown in w/the car seat).

Offer: Sword Ferns (thinned out from my back yard).
Received: Brand new guitar case.

I just gave away some inline skates and have a Wanted out for a TV (I've seen several of them offered up).

Some other listings that absolutely amazed me: A boat and trailer, a Wii, dishwashers, washers and dryers (all in working order).

Anyway, I know not everyone has had a positive experience with freecycle, but again, there are many out there and it really has been wildly successful for my family and me.

[CC]

1. I've been on the one here

about two years. They do not restrict wanteds so they do get a bit of an overload on them. I have a yahoo email account just for free-cycle so I have started blocking mails from those that are always posting wanteds. Works great for weeding them down. Some people have posted as many as 20 wanted in a row. Drives me nuts.

The flip side is, I have been able to rid of of stuff we no longer need with out it going to the landfill. I am one of those that has given away a washer and dryer. Washer broke so went with front loading stackable that I had always wanted for replacements. The washer was an easy fix for the couple that came to get them. Also gave away a stove, dishwasher and refrigerator when we redid the kitchen when I found out that the place I bought new ones sent pick ups to the dump when they took them. They were all older but still working.

Also got rid of a big Christmas tree since we went with a smaller one the last few years. That was fun because it was a beautiful tree and 4 little kids were thrilled with it when mom and dad came to get it. They were going to skip a tree because of finances.

As far as getting I got 3 very nice heavy duty dog houses in 3 different sizes. Works great for me. I also send people I know have very low incomes to free-cycle and it has been a big saver to them. I also lecture them on getting the "gimmes" and so far they have all been good at not going to far there.

[Donnachaidh]

2. I gave away a functioning washer and dryer to a cat rescue group.

I was moving and the set worked, but I had access to newer and better machines so I figured why not give them to someone who could really use them. This local group was looking for a set, and the lady that came with a pickup the next day was very happy to get them. I haven't been on the freecycle list since, only because the wanted postings were driving me nuts.