If you need household items, chairs, tables and other household furniture and goods and you are on a budget there is no better time than now to grab some great gear for your home.

The emergence of several community led recycling networks online means you can find almost anything you want for your home these days for free.

And what’s more you will also be helping the environment by encouraging the recycling of reusable furniture, which is often in excellent condition and without any packaging to dispose of or in turn recycle.

So if you are looking for something for your home and you don’t mind something which is nearly new, why not take advantage of one of these great online recycling networks?

Two of the best known are:

• http://www.ilovefreegle.org
• http://www.uk.freecycle.org

Both of these groups operate on a community spirited voluntary theme and are often affiliated with local charities, non-profit groups and the like. What’s more you sleep easy knowing your new goods are environmentally friendly…

About Freecycle

Freecycle groups are operated by locally based volunteers.

The first UK Freecycle group was set up in London in 2003. There are now more than 490 groups nationwide with more than a million members so you will be joining a growing community online.

Freecycle groups aim to match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them whilst promoting community spirit and environmental responsibility.

What’s more everything posted is free. Freecycle is an email group so you sign up and receive emails for the free stuff you want.

The advertiser decides who will receive the goods and arranges delivery. Simple.

About Freegle

Freegle is a similar national UK grassroots organisation with more than a million members who are giving and receiving free unwanted items in their immediate communities. Local charities, non-profit groups and communities are involved in many of the networks.

Similar to Freecycle Freegle operates on the premise that all goods should be free and legal and aims to improve environmental awareness and community spirit.

Freegle is an email list hosted on Yahoo! Groups where you can find everything from a piano to an old fireplace to a dining table and chairs.

No Catches

There are no catches. Increasingly people simply want to upgrade their stuff and get rid of existing items that are perfectly OK.

Often they want to give it away because it is in good condition and they want it to be used rather than thrown away. To speed things up they can give it away for free.

Remember, you may find other similar organisations operating locally, often charity based and offering really high-quality equipment and especially furniture.

So do some of your own research locally and save money by grabbing yourself household items and furniture for free. And remember to donate your unwanted items too!