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What is Freecycle?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Freecycle began as a grassroots movement that is now utilized by people all over the world. Freecycle is both a concept and a network. Though the concept of freecyling is much older, the network began in 2003 in Tucson, Arizona with only a few dozen people. Today, the Freecycle network is a non-profit organization serving to help people and reduce the amount of waste going into landfills across the globe.

The concept behind freecycling is finding new use for old things rather than throwing them out. Sometimes household items and appliances are replaced even though there’s plenty of use left in them. The ability to find someone else to take old, useable items has several benefits, but finding someone to take used items can be difficult. When the Freecycle network was established in 2003, it became possible for people to use the power of the Internet to further this concept. People from all over the globe can join the Freecycle network and post their requests to give or take a specific item.

Small appliances sometimes show up on Freecycle.
Small appliances sometimes show up on Freecycle.

Items that are freecycled include swing sets, lumber, furniture, glass, and computer components. Anything that a person has to give away that might be useable to another person is fair game. The primary rule of freecycling is that the item has to be given away, not sold.

The Freecycle network is primarily sponsored by Waste Management and the Recycle America Alliance and has groups around the world including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and many other countries. There are hundreds of thousands of members around the world, many trying to make a difference. By creating a central place for people to check for freecycle items in their area, it is easier for people to find free, used stuff and the number of items going into landfills is also reduced.

The main mission statement of the Freecycle network is “to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources, and eases the burden on our landfills.” The Freecycle network is located online at www.freecycle.org where more information, including how to register for and use the service, is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freecycle and how does it work?

Freecycle is a grassroots, nonprofit movement of people who give away items for free in their local communities. It operates through a network of local groups, each managed by local volunteers. Members post "Offer" ads for items they wish to give away or "Wanted" ads for items they need. The goal is to keep usable goods out of landfills and promote a culture of reuse.

Is Freecycle free to use?

Yes, Freecycle is completely free to use. The platform is designed to facilitate the free exchange of goods, helping to reduce waste and support environmentally friendly practices. There are no fees to join a local group, post items, or acquire items from other members.

What kind of items can be found on Freecycle?

On Freecycle, you can find a wide range of items, from furniture and appliances to clothing and toys. The offerings depend on what members in your local area are giving away. Everything listed must be legal and appropriate for all ages, and it must be offered for free without any expectation of exchange or payment.

How do I join a Freecycle group?

To join a Freecycle group, visit the Freecycle website and search for your local community. Once you find your local group, you'll need to sign up using a valid email address. After joining, you can start posting offers or requests and respond to other members' posts.

Can I find Freecycle groups in any country?

Freecycle groups exist in numerous countries around the world. While the movement started in the United States, it has since expanded globally. You can find groups in urban and rural areas across continents, fostering a worldwide community focused on sustainability and sharing.

How does Freecycle benefit the environment?

Freecycle benefits the environment by reducing waste and extending the life of items that might otherwise end up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, reusing items can save energy, reduce pollution, and conserve resources. By participating in Freecycle, individuals contribute to a circular economy that values reuse over disposal.

Discussion Comments

egs

I've always been bothered by the "reduce the amount of waste going into landfills across the globe" mandate of Freecycle. After 7-plus years and thousands of transactions, I can quite confidently say that most freecycled stuff (at least here in Ottawa Canada) was never ever intended for the landfill. It is just surplus stuff, stashed away indefinitely -- out of sight, out of mind.

The freecycling movement has helped people everywhere to make their surplus stuff available to others willing and eager to reuse secondhand stuff.

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    • Small appliances sometimes show up on Freecycle.
      Small appliances sometimes show up on Freecycle.