Freecycle again: when is it not rude to ask?

[LadyJaneinMD]

I joined our local freecycle, and the first thing I posted was a request.  I know, horrid and shocking.

Except my request was for a few of the plastic buckets that scoopable cat litter comes in.  I wash them out and use them for a variety of things, including scraps for composting, clean litter that came in a bag but stores more nicely in a bucket, and dry cat food.

If the item requested is something that people might otherwise regard as trash but someone might find useful, is it rude to make requests for such an item?  Incidentally, several people made offers to us promptly after we put up the request.

Are you kidding?  I'm just about to put up an offer for those buckets!  I have a large bunch of them now.  They are very useful for moving (I pack spices and small breakables in them), and my friend uses them for container gardens...they have many uses.
If you were close enough to me, I'd happily give you a pile of buckets.

[NotCinderell]

Got all I need for now, but thanks for the offer.

[Bethalize]

If the item requested is something that people might otherwise regard as trash but someone might find useful, is it rude to make requests for such an item?  Incidentally, several people made offers to us promptly after we put up the request.

No, not rude. Freecycle is about keeping things out of landfill. People might get tetchy about wanteds for items with monetary value but something such as cat litter buckets? You will be doing the world a favour.

[NotCinderell]

If the item requested is something that people might otherwise regard as trash but someone might find useful, is it rude to make requests for such an item?  Incidentally, several people made offers to us promptly after we put up the request.

No, not rude. Freecycle is about keeping things out of landfill. People might get tetchy about wanteds for items with monetary value but something such as cat litter buckets? You will be doing the world a favour.

That's what I thought, but our local chapter urges offering before asking.

[NotCinderell]

Personally, *I* felt better waiting to get something until after I had listed some things to give away.

We didn't want to be FC blacklisted, so we offered up some of DS's hand-me-downs, and nobody took them.  We ended up donating them to a shop similar to Goodwill.

[officeworker]

And I'd offer you *my* kitty litter bucket, except it's where I store used litter between trash days! Can you use a giant popcorn tin with a Christmas light motif instead? No takers for that on my FC group!

I use the gian popcorn tins to hold breakable Christmas ornaments, lights, etc.  Works like a dream! and a lot cheaper (when used/freecycled) than expensive plastic tubs.

[mikeylou]

Clearly I need to start saving litter buckets.  Unfortunately we've moved to a brand of litter that comes in a box.  I have used an old bucket for storing grocery bags, to use for waste. 

Someone on my local SCA list asked for those a bit ago too.  Since I think cat ownership is a requirement of SCA membership, I believe they got plenty.   

[Sophia]

That's a good idea about the breakables! 

DH and I were discussing how to organize the garage.  I had the garage organized used Xerox boxes, but DH says he needs something he can throw in the car and throw around without the box breaking.  The plastic bins with the attached lids are too big, but cat litter containers would be perfect!