Sources for Free or Cheap Upcycling Material

Whether you are new to upcycling or a seasoned artisan, sometimes it can be difficult to find sources for material to upcycle. With that in mind, I’ve gathered up a number of ideas to consider for your next project.

Your House! The first place to look for upcycling material is always the easiest- and always free! Think about the trash that goes out of your home. Granted, there’s not much you can do with some things like cotton swabs and tissues, but what about those other things that you don’t recycle? Root around in your garage or attic, and you just might find some buried treasure!

Garage Sales You never know what you might find at garage sales. Neighborhood sales offer the best chance of finding goodies, but also consider offering to pick up the leftovers after the sale is over. I recently ended up with four carloads of stuff that otherwise would have gone to the dumpster just by offering to pick it up so the family wouldn't have to deal with it!

Craigslist Check out the “free” section on Craigslist, but contact the ad poster fast- many free items go quickly! If you are looking for something specific, post it in the wanted section, and be prepared to drive to pick up the material.

Auctions The prices at some auctions are so cheap, you just might end up with a car load of material for $20, like me! Arrive with a strategy, and bid with your head, not your heart. Getting emotionally attached at an auction can prove very expensive!

Friends and Family Relatives and friends are also great sources of materials. For specific material needs, ask them to save certain items for you. Most will be glad to help, especially if you ripen the offer with one of your creations in exchange for their assistance.

Thrift Stores Local thrift shops often have a surprising variety of items, some which obviously would not be purchased by anyone due to rust, chipping, or other faults. Speak with the manager of the thrift shop and ask what they do with items that they don’t put out on their floor, or those that don’t sell. You just might find yourself a consistent supplier!

Freecycle A result of the green movement, Freecycle is a great source of free material, as well as an easy way to offer an item for reuse. Everything is free, but again be ready to go pick up the material.

Trash Day/ Move Outs Most cities have a “clean up” day every year, where they pick up old appliances and large furniture, and remove their trash limit. Driving around early in the neighborhood on these days, look for anything out by the curb. Before heading out for the day, check town ordinances, most of which consider these items public property at this point. The end of a local college’s spring semester results in mountains of trash, so bring your pick-up and cruise the streets and alleys the last couple weeks of school. It is unbelievable the things that college students trash!

These are just some of the many sources for free or inexpensive material to upcycle, and is far from a comprehensive list. They generally require a bit of luck, but you never know what you’ll find until you look! Where do you find your upcycling material?