Interested in finding out what the buzz is all about first hand? Here is how to join your local Freecycle group.

[edit] Steps

Go to http://freecycle.org
Click on the area closes to where you live.
Scroll down until you see your area.
After you've joined the group, you'll normally get a file with information from your local group that explains how it all works.

[edit] Tips

Joining via the "Join" button on the website will bring all the messages individually to your mailbox. Some lists are very busy, resulting in lots of messages.
To join via the group page, you will need to have an account with Yahoo Groups. This account is free. It also allows access to the website on Yahoo Groups and allows you to use the other features available.
If you don't wish to open an account with Yahoo Groups, you can adjust email settings via the web. For Daily Digests, write the group via your email at (groupname)-digest@yahoogroups.com. To unsubscribe, write (groupname)-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com. Note: Remove the parenthesis when inserting the complete name of your group.

Some groups are really busy. Make sure the email selection you choose works for you. Options include Daily Digest (bundles of 25 messages at a time delivered all in one email), Individual Messages (receiving a message just as it is sent out), No Mail (reading the messages on the web so your inbox is free of the messages).
Not all groups allow the No Mail option, so read carefully to see if your group allows it or not.
These rules are the same for all Freecycle groups: everything must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages. Local groups sometimes add other rules, like no pets, no coupons, no services. Be sure to read the guidelines for your local group so that you know what is or isn't allowed.
It's not uncommon to get takers within a few minutes of posting an offer. If you get the email in 'digest' form, you may miss out on some opportunities to get offered items that interest you.