Freecycle is an excellent platform for exchanging things. 

If you have anything that can be of value to others, you can give it away if you lose the use of it. In return, you can request things you need. Freecycle makes this type of exchange easier across cities and towns. The website has created thousands of groups for communities in different geographical areas. 

Do you wish to use this platform? If you want to recycle items and get valuable items in return, this platform provides a great opportunity. 

However, before you use this website, read this article to learn more about Freecycle. 

What Is Freecycle?

If you have stuff at home unnecessarily lying around here and there at home, it is time to use them. Thanks to freecycle.org, you can do it now. Free is an online service designed for people to exchange their unnecessary belongings. It is like giving away things that you don’t hold any value for to get something of value. 

The name of the platform itself suggests what the site is all about. The products listed on the website are complimentary. So, if you want to shop around by giving away some of your things that you do not need, there is a good chance now. 

The company was started in 2003 by someone called Deron Beal. He gathered 30-40 of his friends to start the company in 2003. Now, FreeCycle is in 86 countries, and they have more than 5,000 groups worldwide. 

This process of exchanging not only helps you replace unnecessary things but you also give back a few things to a community. Also, such exchanges have environmental benefits. People used to do the same exchanges on the street in earlier days. But thanks to the internet, Freecycle makes it easier. 

How Does Freecycle Work?

The best part of the website is that it is grouped into different communities. Each of the communities on the website represents a specific geographic area. The Freecycle group areas include local areas. This means that the exchanges you do help the communities and the localities of a particular geographic area. Your exchanges work like contributions to different towns, villages, cities, and other communities.

You can take this as that old proverb, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and Freecycle makes it completely real. There is no need to keep unnecessary things occupying space at home. If you can exchange them for something valuable and important, why wouldn’t you? 

How To Join Freecycle?

I can bet that you will be interested in joining the Freecycle network. That is why here is a little guide to help you join it. Follow the steps I have listed here –

1. First, you will visit Freecycle and enter your city and your state. Then, you have to click on the option reading Go. 
2. Following the previous steps, you will find a list of Freecycle groups and towns close to your opening. 
3. You can choose and click on the Freecycle group in a specific city where you live. 
4. The website lets you join in five groups. So, you can join the freecycle group in your town. Also, if there is a group to another city close by, you can enter there as well. But you must remember that the more groups you enter, the more access you have to a broader community to give your things. Also, you have a better chance of choosing and selecting from various things. 
5. Every group has a sticky note at the top of its forum. If you are joining the Freecycle community for the first time, I suggest reading the sticky note. It will contain details on how the group works and how to use it. They also have rules and etiquette for each group. 
6. The groups can also have regulations on items you can’t give away. 

How To Create Your Freecycle Account?

So, did you find the group you will join? If yes, then it is time you must create your Freecycle account. Remember that some groups will automatically accept you as a new member. However, some groups might take a few days to receive your request and let you in the groups. 

If you want to create an account, you just have to head over to the platform. Then, you have to sign up to become a Freecycle user. 

Items To Request Or Give Away On FreeCycle

Freecycle allows you to give and get back almost everything from your local Freecycle community. But most of the time, the items you will see on the listing include old electronics, clothes, books, building materials, furniture, etc. You can also give away things you may not consider using. For example, scraps, old CDs, clothes, cassettes.

Most of these items can be helpful for artists who need spare parts or materials for their art and projects. 

Here are a few types of items you can request or give away on the platform. 

• Backpacks
• Clothing
• Cell Phones
• Coupons
• Computers
• Dishes
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Sports Equipment
• Toys

Things To Remember As A Freecycle User

You must know some of these things before you become a member of FreeCycle.

• You must be a member of a group to be able to post items on the group (FREE membership.)
• Also, since there will be people from anywhere on the group, avoid posting any personal information on the group.
• If you have to pick up items from any location, avoid going alone. Most people prefer porch pickup on the platform. But it is safe to take someone with you.
• Also, if you are giving away any item, keep the item outside perfectly labeled with their name to avoid confusion. 
• Also, you must read the different sets of rule each of the groups have. Before you post anything to give, remember to read the rules. 
• The platform does not allow any advertisements. It is not for promotion and is for give and take.

Final Words

Freecycle can be fun to use. But remember all the essential tips provided above to stay safe from any problematic exchanges. Now that you know about Freecycle, would you care to use the platform? Also, if you are already a user, will you share your experience using the platform? Let us know through the comment section. Thank you for reading.

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