FreecycleReviews of freecycle.org

PROS - Free to use - You may get free stuff - Someone may collect your unwanted stuff for free - Green ethos - recycle and reuse - Site requires log-in profile, so some protection for personal details CONS - Site functionality: unable to upload photos despite following all their hacks/fixes inc. creating fresh posts - So had to share phone details to send photos - Unable to delete posts - Time taken to approve posts - Seemingly impossible to unsubscribe from and I defo didn't sign up to get general emails I really like the idea and would happily pay a donation to help towards cost of improving functionality

I use Freeview mostly to give items that are too good for the tip away for free to people who need/want them in the local area, but honestly, it's just such a faff and you often end up sitting in the house for hours waiting for people who never show up. I've had good experiences with people being really responsive and collecting quickly, but more experiences with people not responding / being no-shows / not having space in the car for it. For balance, the one time I used it as a 'customer' - I got a lovely piece of furniture in great condition that I still use to this day. The issue with Freecycle isn't the concept, it's some of the time wasters who use it...

I absolutely LOVE Freecycle - I have picked up loads of excellent quality items (wardrobes, glass coffee table, lampshade, desk, bed, mirror, drawers, bedside table to mention just a few). I have also passed on many unwanted items including a bike, old desk, coffee table, towel rail, bedding, clothes. I guess it depends where you live

Only had one experience, but overall was pretty good. I guess because the other end was interested in the product I was advertising, so the whole process was pretty smooth, even though I had to rush because of the short time frame I had. My only complain would be the platform's ux design, but since I only needed to use the site once, I wouldn't say it was a major problem.

For some reason people don't even want antique furniture, ive had real probs, till I felt it being not a nice experience. 3 times I've had items that I didn't even want to get rid of but have to and no one replies despite the fact that they're nice items it seems they only want and ask for Ikea this and Ikea that and even boats cars and tablets etc etc. So I'm having to maybe try somewhere else. Gumtree seems a bit naff as people just ask if you still have item then no reply back etc etc I've an antique mirrored overmantle Dresser Top no one's replying to on freecycle, so maybe il just smash it up.

Good idea ruined by time wasters Posted all my white goods as moving to place with fitted goods received a message at 3am saying I'll have it if you deliver. Things went downhill from there people were seemingly enthusiastic but then didn't reply to messages. Asked for more details and more photos so provided by e mail then whole day wasted with messing on with people who are just mucking about. Too good for tip but that's where it's going closed account which is shame as worked in past

Once upon a time this was an amazing site with a great purpose of helping others and reducing landfill by offering unwanted items to other users free of charge to be reused, now its a platform for rude scroungers. I have repeatedly left the site (Telford) due to the current misuse of it and only rejoined when I have something to offer, it is now a site plagued by people with no manners requesting things. Now I do not have an issue with people in genuine need trying their luck to save a few quid but the majority do not have manners. I have bought this to the attention of the moderators who justify this by defending people from other countries who have moved in to the area not knowing what manners are..I think its plain rudeness! Some of the requests are unjustified as certain users are clearly making a profit from the site and they call themselves "collectors", if I could afford retro games consoles which are worth a fortune I certainly would not give away! I have seen requests for cars, boats, quads, motorbikes, caravans and motorhomes for "projects". Not so long back someone asked for a shipping container!! A big gripe is people asking for stuff and it must be delivered too..unbelievable! Whether requesting in a wanted or an offer, make the effort to collect this item. Last week someone requested 2 wardrobes to be delivered. I have put up many items over the years and the usual scroungers "can I collect today?" Erm no, just because you do not work and freeload I do work and you can work around me. Many requests are specific, colour, shape, size, condition, if its free and you in need get what you are given. So wrapping up, the site is now a scrounging platform with certain users really taking liberties and the moderators sit back and let it happen...what are thet moderating?

My experience of freecycle is that you arrange to have an item, then it is given to someone else