FreecycleReviews of freecycle.org

I have used freecycle for years, happy in the knowledge that my unwanted stuff is being taken by someone who can put it to good use. The other advantage is that it's quick and easy - or it used to be!!!!!!! It now suffers with untrained, overzealous, power hungry moderators who block posts. Not because they are unsuitable or inappropriate but because you have not posted in your 'home group'. What?? Why?? Who cares!!! I was posting a 4 x 3 piece of left over plasterboard!!! I have also had a post refused before for not posting on my 'home group' for long enough??? When we freecyclers post, we are doing it because we care about the planet and want to be responsible. We also want to get rid of stuff quickly. You get to learn which areas are best to post certain things that will go quickly - and they may not be in your 'home group'. The unnecessary rules are ridiculous and will stop people posting.

I used to LOVE Freecycle - what a great idea - the opportunity to give rather than sell stuff you don't need or want any longer - it's a nice thing to do to give someone something the might need or want but can't afford, and then the other side of the coin is that stuff does not end up in landfill. But now, after a few years, I find the vast majority of people on Freecycle seem to be professional resellers - they are rude; send you emails that say "yes want it", often don't show up to pick things up after you have given your address (very concerning), and many many people just show up, take what is offered and then not even a word of thanks. It is rather soul-destroying, and much harder work that just taking to the dump or organising the council to come and take stuff away. We have given away items worth thousands of pounds (a 4 oven working AGA for example) (yep!) because we wanted to share our good luck around...but I honestly find that most people now are so ungrateful on free cycle, and although I hate the idea of contributing to landfill, I also fear for the number of times we have given our address / phone number out to people who have no manners, no shame and no ethics it would appear. Perhaps a rating system of members would help - if something is not done I will have to revert to using the local tips and council to dispose of things and that is a shame. It was a lovely idea originally. Too bad it has been corrupted and there is no way or no will to manage this.

joined Freecycle. Didn't get access to what I was seeking. and now I get a heap of rubbish emails and their system doesn't allow you to UNSUBSCRIBE or even email them. A rubbish service. And rubbish software.

Negatives: Over zealous group admins I've had one flat out lie on me and another 2 constantly veto my requests for petty rule breaches which I see others do and get away with. I try to be reasonable with them as they all have other things doing and it's my understanding that they're just volunteers but if all I ask for is a bit of advice on getting rid of mice, I don't see how that can be a reason to stop a post. Time wasters: My number one bug bare. people who say they will collect then you never hear from them. Dishonest offers: Sometimes when I go to collect stuff I get "someone else was interested so i'm only going to let you have a few". What?! I've just driven across London and made sure i was punctual and you decide to tell me this now? People getting your address This sort of ties in with the time wasting thing. I've had LOADS of people take my address and then not turn up for items. That's very concerning to me. Positives: Great items I've had all sorts and some things in such good condition I've passed them on as gifts. My most treasured item was an obscure game that my Nan previously owned but had lost pieces for. When I saw it being given away I couldn't believe my luck. Meeting new people One of the most relevant people in my life right now was someone I met on freecycle! Doing your bit for the environment Self explanatory really! You change peoples mindsets I would regularly go and collect stuff and think "are these people mad? You could have sold this" However i now also give stuff away and I tell people, I don't mind if you're selling it. I'm far from wealthy but I feel richer for being so kind as others have been to me.

Tried to swap an item, which would have saved two items going to landfill. Over zealous management don't allow swaps. Site is poorly constructed and overwhelmed with pop ups which they appear to encourage. Overall the site is cumbersome and slow,

I tried to list an item that would be great for someone but needed it removed within a day. I know it's a short time but it's a big item and I thought someone may want it. After over 14 hours of waiting for moderators approval I cancelled the listing and will now dispose of the item which is a shame.

Re-sellers are all you find here. I asked for any type of exercise equipment to get back in shape from my chemotherapy treatment. I was shocked by how many people flat out lied about not only having something but that they were only using this site to try and take advantage. It really amazes me that people would try to take advantage of a cancer survivor. If the emails that I have received are any indication the only people who are on this site are scum who have no morals or sence of ethics. I will NEVER use this site again and highly recommend that any one thinking of using it to think again.

I think freecycle is populated by professional re-sellers who collect stuff for sale on ebay, gumtree, carboots and classified. I have tried to ask for 30 or so items, many within minutes of them apprearing, and they have always already gone. 80% of people do not let you know, your polite email just dissappear. Unless you are willing to sit and press refresh all day, i doubt you will have much sucess on freecycle. Of the 3 items I have offered the replies were instant, and the collectors were not grateful, it was not something unusual for them, they appeared to be on a schedule collecting things around the county.