Saturday is Give Your Stuff Away Day

On May 15, neighborhoods all over America will bring their free stuff to the curb. The event could eventually help millions, while diminishing landfills, reducing clutter and boosting the economy. Photo: Flickr/Scurzuzu

Calling all starving college students, notorious pack-rats and bargain maniacs! In case you haven’t heard the news yet, May 15 is Give Your Stuff Away Day.

Conceived by Mike Morone, a teacher in suburban Rochester, N.Y., the plan calls for people leave their useful but unneeded but still useful stuff on the curb for fellow community members.

“This could benefit millions of people. And no one has to write a check, make a call or run a 5K,” Morone says.

“You’ll feel good because you removed some clutter and helped a neighbor. Others will be happy obtaining free items in a tough economy. Landfills will shrink a bit and the economy will kick up a notch.”

The unofficial holiday is not a government program as Morone would like to “keep it citizen-based and let the government solve bigger problems.” However, the movement has recently received some political backing.

In an official statement released last month, Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell became the first elected official to proclaim May 15 as Give Your Stuff Away Day.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Connecticut residents to de-clutter their homes, recycle some of their goods, pick up much-needed free stuff in this tough economy and work towards improving the environment, all at once,” she wrote.

Bell goes on to say that in order to ensure success, the free event will need residents’ collective cooperation and support. She urges citizens to remain cautious while driving through neighborhoods in order to keep the shopping public safe.

Morone admits that the event can “get a bit messy [...] Trash hauling expenses could spike that week. But in the long run, fewer items in landfills equate to lower hauling expenses.”

The guidelines for Give Your Stuff Away Day directly correlate with local ordinances and waste programs. Prohibited items include recalled products, garbage, recyclables, weapons, dangerous or illegal items, chemicals and food.

Getting involved is easy: Just spread the word. Inform your peers, neighbors, social media networks, local media and elected officials. You can also post your free items on Craigslist or Freecycle.

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