Heard about The Freecycle Network? Interested in knowing how it works? Read below and soon you'll be wanting to get involved. Rather than throwing away usable items, Freecycle encourages you to give them to others who will use them. With over 2.5 million members and over 3000 local groups, 100 million tons were kept out of the landfill last year. This is because of people just like you "gifting" their old toaster, ugly shoes or lamps they've been wanting to get rid of for years. Items are all free, legal and appropriate for all ages.

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[edit] Steps

Visit http://freecycle.org to find a local group near you.
Join the group.
Read the group guidelines carefully. Every group must follow the "free, legal and appropriate for all ages" rules, but most have added other rules and some are more relaxed.
The posts will come to you through an email group. You can get them in bundles of several messages together, individually as they're posted, or read them on the web.
Offer - this means someone is offering this item for free. If it sounds like something you're interested in, write the person back directly to their personal address, not to the group list. The one who makes the offer gets to choose who will be the recipient of the item.
Wanted - this means someone is searching for a particular item. Maybe you've got this stored in the attic, basement, or back of the closet. Want to get rid of it? Now is your chance. When you have an item you're looking for, you can post a Wanted requesting that item.
Taken - this means the item that was offered has been taken. It is posted by the person who offered the item.
Occasionally you'll see the heading ADMIN. This is a message from the moderator that you need to be sure to read.
The one who posts the Offer usually decides the method for picking up the item. Keep your personal safety in mind thoughout every "transaction."

[edit] Tips

The lists aren't used for visiting or conversation. Some groups have cafes for visiting and handling matters not otherwise allowed on the main group. Check your guidelines to see if your local list offers one.
Most lists only allow the Subject lines of Wanted, Offer, Taken, Found. Some also allow PPU for pending pick up and Praise to thank a person publicly for going above and beyond the normal "transaction." Check your group guidelines to see which ones your local group use.
Almost anything can be Offered. Old windows, rocks, dirt, cabinets, clothes, pets, old magazines, even kitchen sinks!
No item is too big or too small-crafters can use small broken jewelry, junkers will take big old pieces of metal from the back of the farm...
Check out the other wikiHow articles (below) to learn more about The Freecycle Network.
No groups nearby? Visit the Freecycle.org website to see about starting a group locally.

[edit] Warnings

Every group has its own rules, so read carefully so you understand them completely. Write the moderator if you have any questions.
Some lists are very strict about the resale of items you've received from the list. If you're thinking about reselling something you've gotten, check the guidelines because some lists will ban you for not following the rules.
Not all lists allow pet posts. Make sure your local list does before you Offer or place a Wanted for one there.

[edit] Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet access
Yahoo ID so you can join the group
The name of the group closest to you. You can find it by visiting http://freecycle.org.
Time to read through the local guidelines