For about 7 years now, I’ve been a Volunteer Moderator for a worldwide organization, Freecycle.org. Beginning in England, there are Freecycle.org branches in many areas and if not, it’s easy to start one.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/1/16/2297247/-How-To-Help-Each-Other
If you have an old mattress and box spring in good condition, consider selling them or giving them away on a web site such as Freecycle Network, Nextdoor or craigslist. If you purchased a new mattress, see if the store will take your old mattress for recycling.
You can also check with your local recycling center or garbage disposal service to see what their rules are with old mattresses and box springs. Garbage haulers will often pick up a certain number of oversized items each year. Yet another option is a junk removal company, like 1-800-Got-Junk?
It’s New Year’s Eve and if your list of resolutions includes recycling and reusing, local nonprofits can help make those intentions a reality.
In fact, the Freecycle Network (https://www.freecycle.org/), a nonprofit dedicated to helping people give and get stuff for free, is gearing up for its busiest day of the year.
“Every year, our busiest day is January 2. Everyone gets through the holidays and they say, ‘I got my new sweater and I’m getting rid of the old … it’s kind of like Boxing Day in England, when people box up their old stuff after Christmas to get rid of it,” said Deron Beal, founder and CEO of Freecycle, which he established locally in 2003.
Freecycle:
Freecycle is a grassroots, online network of local groups where people give and get stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods. It’s a fantastic resource for finding free mattresses, as members often post items they no longer need, including furniture and bedding.
To access Freecycle, simply search for a group in your area, join, and start browsing the listings. Keep in mind that availability can vary, so it’s worth checking back frequently and being quick to respond to any postings that match your needs. Remember to arrange safe pickup or delivery when communicating with other members.
“Before you bu
y anything, go through last year’s backpacks to see if anything is left over that you can use this year.
It is worth also checking out free groups online. That can be “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook, or the website www.freecycle.org.”
Freecycle and Buy Nothing Groups: Sometimes, people buy products that they don’t like or can’t use. This may be because they are moving urgently or had an allergy to a certain ingredient. Either way, these products often end up advertised in Freecycle or in your local Buy Nothing groups.
2. Scour Online Marketplaces©Image Credit: Rawpixel/Deposit Photos
Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Freecycle often have listings for free plants. Gardeners moving homes or thinning out their collections frequently give away excess plants rather than toss them. Set up alerts for “free plants” in your area and be ready to pick up quickly.
In a world increasingly burdened by waste, The Freecycle Network® stands out as a beacon of environmental stewardship and community spirit. With over 5,000 local groups and more than 11 million members globally, this grassroots nonprofit is revolutionising the way we think about giving and receiving.
Founded on May 1, 2003, by Deron Beal, Freecycle started as an innovative solution to a common problem. While working for RISE, a Tucson-based nonprofit providing recycling services and transitional employment, Beal noticed that many perfectly usable items were being discarded. Determined to find a more efficient way to repurpose these goods, he created an email group for Tucson residents, allowing them to offer and request items freely. This simple yet powerful idea quickly gained traction, evolving into a global movement.
https://www.globalsociety.earth/post/freecycle-transforming-trash-into-treasure
Many things you no longer need may still be beneficial to other people. Think about giving household items, toys, clothing, and furniture to thrift stores, shelters, or local charities. You can also give things away for free by using local community groups or internet marketplaces like Craigslist and Freecycle.
Platforms like Freecycle or Craigslist often have individuals giving away items they no longer need. Browse through these platforms to see if anyone is offering a free blood pressure monitor in your area.
