Freecycle

For those of you that are new to the recycle thing, you may not know about Freecycle yet. If you do know about Freecycle share your experiences in the comments area so others can learn about it.

http://www.freecycle.org/

Basically The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer. Membership is free.

How does it work?
When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door -- you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of the local Freecycle group.
Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might get it. After that, it's up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.
The main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.

Every city we have lived in I have been a member of the local Freecycle group. I was able to freecycle a ton of stuff before we left Seattle for MD and now I'm in the process of acquiring stuff for our new home. I just recently picked up a Rubbermaid wire coated closet organizer that retails at home depot for over 100 bucks. Some of the pieces still have tags on them. I can't wait to set it up in the boys' closet, my attempt to make them organizing freaks like me :) I've also picked up random things like a 100 pack of DVD-R and a case of baby formula. You never know what someone wants to get rid of. Also when I was getting rid of stuff I listed things that didn't work and people actually wanted it. Keep in mind there are people that love to tinker with electronics or need parts from your non working laptop.

So check it out whether you're spring cleaning or looking to acquire, it's a fantastic way to save the landfill of good stuff.
Happy Freecycling!