FreecycleReviews of freecycle.org

Freecycle is a great idea. In practice, although you do occasionally find that someone doesn't turn up, it works, and recipients are mostly very grateful to have a free item. In my opinion, the personal inconveniences greatly outweigh the importance of reusing things rather than consigning them to the oblivion of the rubbish tip. Do persevere even if you encounter the occasional d*ckhead!

Freecycle is a wonderful idea and over the past few years have given away more than 20 very high quality items that we no longer needed. But EVERY time, and I mean every time, the people coming to collect items don't show up. Yesterday I had a woman email me and say that she could come any time this morning, whatever was convenient for me, so I said 11am. I told her where to come and waited at the gate for 45 minutes, but no sign of her. In the end I emailed her and she replied OMG, she had forgotten. Last time a man didn't come and no response from him, so I emailed and he replied that he'd had to work late (well, he might have let us know). He didn't come the next time we arranged, then said he'd had a bereavement.... and this is how it goes on. I tend to get responses from people within minutes of an item going on, saying they would like it and is it still available, but then I have to go through four or five other people before someone actually comes about a week later. Can't believe this happens every time, but it has so far. I think, because an item is free, they feel it really doesn't matter whether they come for it or not. Yet often we have rearranged our working times so that we're in; we've had dinner early and then sat waiting. Missed TV programmes because people were coming during the evening and then didn't show. So many frustrating hours wasted. Hence my feeling that Freecycle as an organisation is good, the users can be inconsiderate.

Everybody seems to be confusing freecycle with the people who use it. The principle of the site is great and seems to work well. Every time I’ve published items they’ve gone within minutes or days. The problem is the ungrateful or rude people who often use it. The amount of people who request goods with a simply ‘I’ll have it’ is just sad. That said you need to appreciate it is easier than selling items and arranging postage. It would be nice though for users to be a little more considerate of other peoples time and possessions.

I have used Freecycle for years. Had some good stuff, and given away a lot too. I do wish there was a way to block those that don't show up when arranged, and the app is slow to load on android. I used to operate a Freecycle group myself, but found it virtually impossible to get help when I went on holiday. However, truth be told, this is a site for free stuff. If you aren't successful, you've lost nothing.

Excellent job got my much needed Cowboy boots for free and in excellent condition! Hell ya!!

Great site and great idea - I've used them loads both to get rid of unwanted items and to acquire others. Looses one star for not kicking off time wasters who don't turn up to collect products and then never show up! It's just plain rude!