What do you think of these Freecycle Wanted Posts?

HugoSP

A few wanted ads have been coming up on the groups I have signed up to asking for scrap metal.

I know that this will be taken and weighed in for cash, although the posters assume that this will be taken for granted.

Do you feel that it is cheeky to ask for something to make money out of it?

Or do you feel that these posters are providing a useful service in recycling in the community and you would be glad to reply if you had some scrap metal lying about?

geordie_joe

When I was a lad I used to collect scrap from people. They were usually happy to give it. Even though the scrap yard was within walking distance, of a 12 year old pushing a barrow, most people never had enough scrap to make it worth while them taking it to the scrap yard.

I suspect some of them wouldn't have been seen dead in a scrap yard no matter how much scrap they had to sell.

I don't suppose it's much different these days, people will have scrap, know they could sell it, but just hang on to it and never get round to taking it to the scrap yard. The may be happy that someone offers to come and collect it for them.

Hapless_2

well in cases of old washing machines and stuff it daves paying the council to take it away, especially if you have no way of getting it to the scrapyard or recycling centre yourself.

lightisfading

If they're upfront about it I have no problems with people asking for scrap metal to resell.

As has been pointed out not everyone has transport - I'd have no way of getting stuff to a scrapyard so it would probably just sit out back and rust!

Wkdwill

I receive individual emails from freecycle and having looked at my inbox this morning I was gobsmacked at what I saw, out of 56 freecycle posts 40 of them were wanted adds, 2 of which were for laptops.

Some things people ask for are unbelievable
Laptops, decking, punchbag, guitar amp, fish tank, digital piano.

Im begining to think we shouldn't be able to post wanteds anymore, I have to admit I have asked for things, im not totally inocent but its just getting ridiculous now.

Is anyone else finding it the same on there local freecycle?

Cardew

Mine has largely been reduced to a begging shop.

No longer is the term 'request' used. It is 'require' 'want' 'need' & 'despratly(sic) need'

Laptops are much in demand.

I am also amazed at those who insist that the item should be delivered to them, "cos I ain't got transport"

Olliebeak

Have to admit that I don't check out freecycle very often - maybe I'm missing out on some things that I could do with.

I offered a table lamp a couple of months ago and received three interested queries. I let it go to the first reply that I got and they collected very promptly - very pleased that it went to a 'good home'.

Your message today prompted me to check out my local freecycle and I spotted that somebody in my very close area has offered a travel cot. DGC4 arrived in October and she is now a little too big for the top of the pram when she stays over PLUS have just been informed that DGC5 is on the way in August - so I reckon that a travel cot is the way forward for the time being! I only threw out the previous one in Nov 2006 (just prior to moving here!) because I'd bought that one second hand when DGD1 arrived back in July 1998. Should have known it was one of those things that once you've chucked it - it would come in handy yet again!!! So now it's fingers crossed for a positive reply :rolleyes: .

ccastley

Don't get too down on Freecycling...stick with it. Unfortunately there are people that take advantage but that's true of anything.

At the end of the day the name of the game (and the reason Freecycle was set up) is to keep things off the landfill, and people may have the things these people are requesting. You would be surprised.

However, as frustrating as it may be to those of you that see so many people requesting valuable items, it can't be policed too heavily because of the aims of what Freecycle stands for. Basically if someone will pass it to someone who posts a Wanted ad rather than stick it on the landfill, then it's working.

I hope this helps you to understand group policies, and I hope you stick with it.

Crystal

Cardew

Although I understand the point you are making, I get a little fed up with the 'save items from landfill' line trotted out time and again; often as an excuse.

I can understand the wanted requests for the 'unusual' item. But anyone who reads the wanted ads knows, by definition, how Freecycle works and will offer a laptop if they have one to dispose. If you have a spare "with XP, wi-fi, and at least 1gb Ram" you just might know a friend who would love it, or sell it.

I wish that there was a way, in the digests, of putting all the wanted ads in the one section - which I would never read, the thanks and rec'd in another section.

finc

I agree, I've stopped using freecycle to get rid of my unwanted items as 9 times out of 10 people except you to jump through hoops to get it to them when it suits them then sometimes turn their nose up at your item as it wasn't "quite what they had in mind".

In fact, I've just checked my local group and someone has just placed a wanted for DS or a Wii.

It now all goes on ebay or to the charity shop.

Wkdwill

Just checked my inbox again and 2 more wanteds for a laptop and reading the persons name ive had a look in my deleted mailbox ive just noticed that this one person has posted wanted adds for a laptop every other day this week.

Now maybe they arn't policing it heavily but im sure this should have been picked up on.

I feel the same as you Cardew with the whole 'save items from landfill' being quoted all the time but when you get people posting

"ive just bought a car and am in need of a car seat"

its a little annoying.