When Megan Williams wanted a piano for her two young children, she looked no further than the Internet. From the Web site freecycle.org, Williams nabbed a square grand piano that she estimates is at least 100 years old.

Williams could only guess what this treasure would go for on the open market, but she wasn't concerned with the price when she found it. Someone gave it to her for free.

Freecycle.org is a grassroots movement made up of individual groups worldwide that allow the free exchange of goods and products. Got an old grill that you don't use anymore? Offer it on your local Freecycle Internet group and give it away to someone who needs it more than you. Need a baby crib for your new arrival? Post a wanted message on the group's listserve, or wait for a crib to be offered.

It's a simple concept that began in Tucson in 2003 by Deron Beal, as a way to reduce landfill waste and prevent new landfills from cropping up. Since its inception, there are more than 3,000 Freecycle communities operating around the globe, and more than 1.5 million individual members.

Auburn has its own Freecycle group, as does Onondaga County, the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, which has a robust and active group of about 2,800 members. Auburn's is still new with just 172 people taking part.

At any given time, everything from baby clothes to computer parts to couches are being offered and asked for on the Freecycle group. A moderator is in charge of each group and has the authority to take down postings that may not be in the spirit of the movement. No one may solicit items that they are going to turn around and sell, nor may anyone accept or ask for money for the items they offer.

Williams had been a member of the Ithaca Freecycle group for about a year - that's where she scored the piano - and joined the Auburn group when it formed. She heard about the concept in a Sierra Club newsletter and decided to get involved.

Since then, she's given away baby strollers, a car seat and a breast pump, all items that she didn't need anymore, but that were still useable. She even posted vacuum cleaner bags when she got a new vacuum cleaner.

”It's nice to meet the folks it's going to,“ Williams said.

When an item is taken, the parties make arrangements for the pick-up. Some people will pick up the item directly from the offerer's house. Some will want the item dropped off, and still others feel more comfortable making the exchange at a neutral location. Williams is pleased with her Freecycle experience thus far.

”The only people I've dealt with have been wonderful,“ she said.

Richard Wolter has been involved in the Freecycle Network nearly since the beginning. His daughter initially turned him onto the idea and he feels it suits his personal values.

”You're not throwing anything in the landfill. Everything's being reused,“ Wolter said.

So far, the Auburn resident has given away a child's bed, mattresses, a kerosene heater and a set of tires that were still good, but that he couldn't use anymore. What he got in return has been worth all the effort. In addition to a car seat for his grandson, Wolter received a pair of French doors that he's waiting to install in his house.

Before using the Freecycle network, Wolter had been selling things on eBay. While he still keeps his hand in the eBay trade, Wolter says he feels a sense of gratification giving items away to people who need them.

Every morning and evening Wolter scans the listserve for new items. As a Freecycle member, you can have new postings sent to your e-mail in-box if you choose.

”You never know when someone's going to pop something on,“ Wolter said.

Like Williams, Wolter's never had an issue with people coming to his house. Most of the Freecycle group members are respectful and adhere to the guidelines of the group.

”My concern at first was nutjobs, but I've had no problems. Everything's been good so far,“ he said.

Steve Brewer lives in Seneca Falls, but participates in the Auburn group because it's not too far away. Because he's disabled and a single father, Brewer finds the network a great way to get stuff he needs without traveling far or breaking the bank.

Since joining the group, Brewer's given away children's clothing, tires, wheels and car parts. He said you should always try to give something away first.

Brewer's best find so far has been a 1980 TRS83 Radio Shack computer with a printer. While that might not be most people's idea of a great find, Brewer likes to tinker with computers so it was a good deal for him.

”I'm well satisfied with what I've gotten so far. Most of the things are pretty good,“ Brewer said.

Teresa Gardner, a Springfield, Mo., resident participates in the Auburn group because she has family in the Moravia area where she grew up. Her parents are raising her 4-year-old nephew on a limited income and she thinks being part of the Freecycle Network could help them out.

When Gardner, who is the moderator of her local group in Springfield, sees an item in Auburn that she thinks her parents could use, she'll send the offerer a message and tell her parents to go pick it up. She's hoping they'll join the group soon so they can find things of their own.

While Gardner admits the Auburn area Freecycle group has been slow to take off, she sees the value in it for the community.

”The stuff is being used and it won't be thrown away,“ she said. ”This way you're giving things to people who need them.“