Connect with people in your area who are on the prowl for free stuff at
freecycle.org. After you find the online group nearest you and sign up, you'll receive listings of stuff people want (or want to get rid of). Recent offers in Nyack, N.Y. included a 20-gallon aquarium, four Hula Hoops, desktop computers and a patio dining set. Also, at
craigslist.org you can list free goods for pickup.
NEXT: On its last gasp