Comments on: Frugality in Practice: One Man’s Trash http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/ personal finance that makes cents Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:12:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: » One Man’s Trash: Free Televisions and Computers! on Blueprint for Financial Prosperity http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-87146 » One Man’s Trash: Free Televisions and Computers! on Blueprint for Financial Prosperity Tue, 22 May 2007 13:01:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-87146 [...] recently wrote a post about how he picked up someone else’s discard pile (reuse!) on his way home from work one day and that got me thinking about what sort of goodies [...] [...] recently wrote a post about how he picked up someone else’s discard pile (reuse!) on his way home from work one day and that got me thinking about what sort of goodies [...]

]]> By: sfordinarygirl http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-87118 sfordinarygirl Tue, 22 May 2007 02:50:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-87118 There was an Epson color printer on the sidewalk as I was walking to the grocery store. It came with cables and ink! I wanted to take it but I already had a printer and it was a bit heavy to lug without a car. But my best find was a frozen yogurt maker! I couldn't believe it! I have yet to test out if it works. It requires a lot of cleaning having gathered dust. But now I can make my own frozen yogurt and hopefully ice cream! I saw a convection oven yesterday while I was going to the museum in another neighborhood. The top wasn't working but the bottom was. I wanted to take it but decided against lugging it on the bus ride home. I also saw a sewing machine in my neighborhood once! There was an Epson color printer on the sidewalk as I was walking to the grocery store. It came with cables and ink! I wanted to take it but I already had a printer and it was a bit heavy to lug without a car.

But my best find was a frozen yogurt maker! I couldn’t believe it! I have yet to test out if it works. It requires a lot of cleaning having gathered dust. But now I can make my own frozen yogurt and hopefully ice cream! I saw a convection oven yesterday while I was going to the museum in another neighborhood. The top wasn’t working but the bottom was. I wanted to take it but decided against lugging it on the bus ride home. I also saw a sewing machine in my neighborhood once!

]]> By: MissGoldBug http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-87067 MissGoldBug Mon, 21 May 2007 16:02:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-87067 My bro is a master at this! Just last night, we were moving him into a new apartment and by the side of the road he spotted a plastic chain saw case. "Stop the car!" We stopped and got out... he picked it off the curb and threw it in the trunk... It had a relatively new chain saw in it, too! The thing still runs, also... The funny thing is that I would never have spotted it... It takes and eagle eye to spot the treasure among the trash! My bro is a master at this! Just last night, we were moving him into a new apartment and by the side of the road he spotted a plastic chain saw case. “Stop the car!” We stopped and got out… he picked it off the curb and threw it in the trunk… It had a relatively new chain saw in it, too! The thing still runs, also… The funny thing is that I would never have spotted it… It takes and eagle eye to spot the treasure among the trash!

]]> By: MoneyChangesThings http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86966 MoneyChangesThings Sun, 20 May 2007 02:44:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86966 If you live near a college campus, this is your week for picking stuff up that students discard! Students have started an initiative for being more responsible about their end-of-year unwanted stuff,a national group called Dump and Run, for students to designate things that would otherwise go to the dumpster for folks to take and use. You can read more details: http://moneychangesthings.blogspot.com/2007/04/dump-and-run-eco-college-scene.html If you live near a college campus, this is your week for picking stuff up that students discard! Students have started an initiative for being more responsible about their end-of-year unwanted stuff,a national group called Dump and Run, for students to designate things that would otherwise go to the dumpster for folks to take and use. You can read more details:
http://moneychangesthings.blogspot.com/2007/04/dump-and-run-eco-college-scene.html

]]> By: Pearlandopal http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86953 Pearlandopal Sat, 19 May 2007 23:54:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86953 After a few frustrating no-show issues with Freecycle, I've instituted "giveaway days" on my Livejournal. I sort things I don't want into lots (for example, aromatherapy supplies; craft supplies; shoes that don't fit; DVDs) and put photos up. My friends claim the lots, and I ship them out. (If it's a heavy box I'll usually split shipping costs with them.) People love claiming things, and it keeps my packrat tendencies down. Sometimes giving things away can be really frustrating, though. When we moved from NC to VA in 2005, my car wouldn't pass VA inspections and repairs would have been more than it was worth. We ended up giving the car to my brother- and sister-in-law in NC. They never even thanked us for it (well, not until a year later when my mother-in-law firmly suggested to them that thanking us would be a nice gesture for a FREE WORKING CAR). This isn't directly related, but I've found that another great way to keep down clutter is to scan magazine articles I want to keep. I add the scanned pages to private Flickr albums and recycle the magazines. After a few frustrating no-show issues with Freecycle, I’ve instituted “giveaway days” on my Livejournal. I sort things I don’t want into lots (for example, aromatherapy supplies; craft supplies; shoes that don’t fit; DVDs) and put photos up. My friends claim the lots, and I ship them out. (If it’s a heavy box I’ll usually split shipping costs with them.) People love claiming things, and it keeps my packrat tendencies down.

Sometimes giving things away can be really frustrating, though. When we moved from NC to VA in 2005, my car wouldn’t pass VA inspections and repairs would have been more than it was worth. We ended up giving the car to my brother- and sister-in-law in NC. They never even thanked us for it (well, not until a year later when my mother-in-law firmly suggested to them that thanking us would be a nice gesture for a FREE WORKING CAR).

This isn’t directly related, but I’ve found that another great way to keep down clutter is to scan magazine articles I want to keep. I add the scanned pages to private Flickr albums and recycle the magazines.

]]> By: SweetTxMama http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86941 SweetTxMama Sat, 19 May 2007 15:26:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86941 When we first moved into our house we realized after living in apartments we would have to get a lawnmower. A neighbor 2 houses down had set one up by the trash can so we made sure he was getting rid of it and now, after 4 years of use, it just died last week. It turns out he had wanted a new one back then and convinced his wife there was something wrong with it when it only needed a very cheap repair. We also just got a booth-style kitchen table and benches from a friend who just got a new kitchen set. We've also got my computer from the curb and some random kid toys and furniture. So, if anyone needs a nonworking lawnmower, there's one on our curb right now :) When we first moved into our house we realized after living in apartments we would have to get a lawnmower. A neighbor 2 houses down had set one up by the trash can so we made sure he was getting rid of it and now, after 4 years of use, it just died last week. It turns out he had wanted a new one back then and convinced his wife there was something wrong with it when it only needed a very cheap repair. We also just got a booth-style kitchen table and benches from a friend who just got a new kitchen set. We’ve also got my computer from the curb and some random kid toys and furniture. So, if anyone needs a nonworking lawnmower, there’s one on our curb right now :)

]]> By: handworn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86893 handworn Fri, 18 May 2007 23:31:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86893 I get perfectly good stuff for free regularly from neighborhood trash. If I have time, the perfectly good items that I don't need I drive to the thrift store. Casting someone else's bread upon the waters, so to speak. Also, I just picked up a 1920s light fixture off the top of someone's trash, and it brought $69 on eBay. I get perfectly good stuff for free regularly from neighborhood trash. If I have time, the perfectly good items that I don’t need I drive to the thrift store. Casting someone else’s bread upon the waters, so to speak.

Also, I just picked up a 1920s light fixture off the top of someone’s trash, and it brought $69 on eBay.

]]> By: Lynda http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86889 Lynda Fri, 18 May 2007 21:24:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86889 I can't say enough good things about freecycle. We moved to California from Ireland last year and the only furniture we brought with us was two beds, two tub chairs and a love seat. We now have a house furnished from freecycle. We even got a fridge. The only things we had to buy were a washer and dryer, we needed them in a bit of a hurry but I have seen several to give away since. We have also met some cool people through the list. I can’t say enough good things about freecycle. We moved to California from Ireland last year and the only furniture we brought with us was two beds, two tub chairs and a love seat. We now have a house furnished from freecycle. We even got a fridge. The only things we had to buy were a washer and dryer, we needed them in a bit of a hurry but I have seen several to give away since. We have also met some cool people through the list.

]]> By: zaphod2016 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86886 zaphod2016 Fri, 18 May 2007 20:24:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86886 Solid suggestions. Might I add: barter. For example, I recently did a website for a friend of mine who in exchange helped me with a few small legal issues. Another suggestion: borrow. For example, I have saved myself hundreds of dollars this year by borrowing needed tools from neighbors, rather than buying them. In most cases, I don't expect I will need the tools again anytime soon, so buying it to leave in the garage feels like a waste. Solid suggestions. Might I add: barter.

For example, I recently did a website for a friend of mine who in exchange helped me with a few small legal issues.

Another suggestion: borrow.

For example, I have saved myself hundreds of dollars this year by borrowing needed tools from neighbors, rather than buying them. In most cases, I don’t expect I will need the tools again anytime soon, so buying it to leave in the garage feels like a waste.

]]> By: junger http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86884 junger Fri, 18 May 2007 18:38:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86884 The one time I gave away a sofa on craigslist (free, but you come pick it up), I got around 100 requests in 36 hours. It's a great site for finding and disposing of stuff. The one time I gave away a sofa on craigslist (free, but you come pick it up), I got around 100 requests in 36 hours. It’s a great site for finding and disposing of stuff.

]]> By: Allie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86875 Allie Fri, 18 May 2007 17:30:10 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86875 We use Freecycle to get rid of stuff but not to acquire things, for the most part. I read the "wanted" and "needed" post for entertainment. -Wanted: 6 horses plus cheap or free board. Horses must be kid-safe. -Needed: Wildly expensive video games. -Wanted: Furniture for an entire house (yes, they had a LIST of EVERYTHING). -Wanted: Dog, perfectly trained. The things people want and need on the Freecycle list for my area are so outrageous that I subscribe to the list just to read them. We use Freecycle to get rid of stuff but not to acquire things, for the most part. I read the “wanted” and “needed” post for entertainment.

-Wanted: 6 horses plus cheap or free board. Horses must be kid-safe.

-Needed: Wildly expensive video games.

-Wanted: Furniture for an entire house (yes, they had a LIST of EVERYTHING).

-Wanted: Dog, perfectly trained.

The things people want and need on the Freecycle list for my area are so outrageous that I subscribe to the list just to read them.

]]> By: icup http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86874 icup Fri, 18 May 2007 17:17:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86874 I have 2 points. 1. In my town, there is a twice yearly "bulk pickup" day, once in the fall, once in the spring. You can basically put out anything the garbage men normally wouldn't take. Sounds like an environmental disaster, but in practice, what happens is people drive in from up to 80 miles away and pick over your stuff and take it, no questions asked. It makes me a little nervous to have shady people driving their pickups through my neighborhood all day, but its well worth it when you see your pile slowly disappear before the actual garbage pickup day. I've heard of people getting things like lawnmowers that only need a little tune up, up to perfectly good refrigerators that "rich" people threw out because it was the wrong color. 2. I don't recommend people putting sofas out in this fashion, because at least in my town, unless your sofa is really disgusting, you can usually get $50 for it on craigslist, AND the buyer picks it up. I have 2 points.

1. In my town, there is a twice yearly “bulk pickup” day, once in the fall, once in the spring. You can basically put out anything the garbage men normally wouldn’t take. Sounds like an environmental disaster, but in practice, what happens is people drive in from up to 80 miles away and pick over your stuff and take it, no questions asked. It makes me a little nervous to have shady people driving their pickups through my neighborhood all day, but its well worth it when you see your pile slowly disappear before the actual garbage pickup day. I’ve heard of people getting things like lawnmowers that only need a little tune up, up to perfectly good refrigerators that “rich” people threw out because it was the wrong color.

2. I don’t recommend people putting sofas out in this fashion, because at least in my town, unless your sofa is really disgusting, you can usually get $50 for it on craigslist, AND the buyer picks it up.

]]> By: Sally Parrott Ashbrook http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86872 Sally Parrott Ashbrook Fri, 18 May 2007 17:02:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86872 I'm with Rob. I've used Freecycle a good bit, and even though there are some loonies on there, there are also lots of nice people who can give items good homes . . . or who can offer something you want or need! You just have to wade through the emails regularly (if you do the daily digest, at least in ATL, all the items will be gone). I’m with Rob. I’ve used Freecycle a good bit, and even though there are some loonies on there, there are also lots of nice people who can give items good homes . . . or who can offer something you want or need! You just have to wade through the emails regularly (if you do the daily digest, at least in ATL, all the items will be gone).

]]> By: magyar lany http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86870 magyar lany Fri, 18 May 2007 16:55:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86870 My friends and I do a clothing exchange a couple times a year. We all get together and go through the clothes that don't fit anymore or we just don't want anymore. We donate everything left over to a local battered womans shelter. It's fun and a good way to come home with "free stuff" (sometimes with tags) w/o spending a dime. Free Shopping. My friends and I do a clothing exchange a couple times a year. We all get together and go through the clothes that don’t fit anymore or we just don’t want anymore. We donate everything left over to a local battered womans shelter. It’s fun and a good way to come home with “free stuff” (sometimes with tags) w/o spending a dime. Free Shopping.

]]> By: Gal Josefsberg http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86869 Gal Josefsberg Fri, 18 May 2007 16:54:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86869 Doh! I was going to post up a link to Freecycle but I see the crowd has beaten me to it. So I'll just add a little note for your local dump. They'll often have free stuff available for resident. Our local dump here in the SF bay area offers free mulch, free compost, free lumber and so on to any resident who wants to come pick it up. Doh! I was going to post up a link to Freecycle but I see the crowd has beaten me to it. So I’ll just add a little note for your local dump. They’ll often have free stuff available for resident. Our local dump here in the SF bay area offers free mulch, free compost, free lumber and so on to any resident who wants to come pick it up.

]]> By: Dy (www.dyphan.com) http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86868 Dy (www.dyphan.com) Fri, 18 May 2007 16:38:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86868 I'll even resort to dumpster diving to pick up things to sell on eBay. It'll net a few dollars every week. I’ll even resort to dumpster diving to pick up things to sell on eBay. It’ll net a few dollars every week.

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86867 J.D. Fri, 18 May 2007 16:36:02 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86867 A couple of quick points: * I'm aware of Freecycle, though I've never used it. I didn't link to it in this entry, but I did in the entry from last July. :) * Thanks for the tip on the pressure-treated lumber. I know not to use the stuff in vegetable gardens, but I didn't know I shouldn't burn it, either. Only one piece of the wood is pressure-treated, so that's good. Keep the stories about free stuff coming! A couple of quick points:

* I’m aware of Freecycle, though I’ve never used it. I didn’t link to it in this entry, but I did in the entry from last July. :)
* Thanks for the tip on the pressure-treated lumber. I know not to use the stuff in vegetable gardens, but I didn’t know I shouldn’t burn it, either. Only one piece of the wood is pressure-treated, so that’s good.

Keep the stories about free stuff coming!

]]> By: Laura Athavale Fitton http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86866 Laura Athavale Fitton Fri, 18 May 2007 16:30:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86866 Like other commenters, surprised you didn't mention www.freecycle.org, a brilliant grassroots network of local free stuff exchangers... Like other commenters, surprised you didn’t mention http://www.freecycle.org, a brilliant grassroots network of local free stuff exchangers…

]]> By: Melissa A. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86865 Melissa A. Fri, 18 May 2007 16:25:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86865 A good thing to remember also is that just because it's free or cheap doesn't mean it's a deal either. I've had people try and convince me to buy a jacket for $2.50 even though I didn't need it, and it would take up room in my tiny closet. Or like the woman on Freecyle who took my stuff and said she just loves free stuff! I don't think she really cared what was in the box (though I think people on Freecyle troll for junk to sell at the flea markets and yard sales). Anyway, sounds like you got a good deal. I have no problem taking stuff on the side of the road. Living in a university town it's very common. Unfortunately I can never drag bit items back to my car since I don't have a car or friends I can call on like that. Oh well :P A good thing to remember also is that just because it’s free or cheap doesn’t mean it’s a deal either. I’ve had people try and convince me to buy a jacket for $2.50 even though I didn’t need it, and it would take up room in my tiny closet. Or like the woman on Freecyle who took my stuff and said she just loves free stuff! I don’t think she really cared what was in the box (though I think people on Freecyle troll for junk to sell at the flea markets and yard sales).

Anyway, sounds like you got a good deal. I have no problem taking stuff on the side of the road. Living in a university town it’s very common. Unfortunately I can never drag bit items back to my car since I don’t have a car or friends I can call on like that. Oh well :P

]]> By: Starving Artist http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86863 Starving Artist Fri, 18 May 2007 16:17:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86863 Frank's right--don't burn it if it's treated (it probably has a green tinge). While I'm all for the FREE STUFF, beware becoming a pack rat. It can be as bad a being in debt. I know a few people who have a serious problem with free accumulation--Craigslist is a real addiction for them. HOWEVER, enjoy in moderation :) Frank’s right–don’t burn it if it’s treated (it probably has a green tinge).

While I’m all for the FREE STUFF, beware becoming a pack rat. It can be as bad a being in debt. I know a few people who have a serious problem with free accumulation–Craigslist is a real addiction for them.

HOWEVER, enjoy in moderation :)

]]> By: pll http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86860 pll Fri, 18 May 2007 15:49:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86860 Heh, Matt's post reminds me of the Simpson's episode with the trampoline. They tried giving it away, but no one would take it. Bart told Homer the sure-fire way to get rid of it was to lock it to the fence so no one would "steal" it. 5 minutes later, it was gone :) Heh, Matt’s post reminds me of the Simpson’s episode with the trampoline.
They tried giving it away, but no one would take it. Bart told Homer the sure-fire way to get rid of it was to lock it to the fence so no one would “steal” it. 5 minutes later, it was gone :)

]]> By: Rob Slagle http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86859 Rob Slagle Fri, 18 May 2007 15:49:03 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86859 I use the local Freecycle message boards to either find or get rid of stuff. Check it out at Freecycle.org. I use the local Freecycle message boards to either find or get rid of stuff. Check it out at Freecycle.org.

]]> By: Matt in Indy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86857 Matt in Indy Fri, 18 May 2007 15:39:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86857 Freecycle is a network where you can sign up for your local area and offer to give away the stuff you might otherwise throw away. It's an easy way to be sure your discarded items get used. I've found it's sometimes difficult to claim items due to the amount of interest, but that also means it's very easy to give your items away. http://www.freecycle.org/ Freecycle is a network where you can sign up for your local area and offer to give away the stuff you might otherwise throw away. It’s an easy way to be sure your discarded items get used. I’ve found it’s sometimes difficult to claim items due to the amount of interest, but that also means it’s very easy to give your items away.

http://www.freecycle.org/

]]> By: Jeremy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86856 Jeremy Fri, 18 May 2007 15:38:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86856 Hmm, this reminds me that I need to haul our old loveseat we have taking up space in the storage shed to the side of the road to see if someone takes it. Somebody better or else it is getting chopped up and burned! Hmm, this reminds me that I need to haul our old loveseat we have taking up space in the storage shed to the side of the road to see if someone takes it. Somebody better or else it is getting chopped up and burned!

]]> By: Frank http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86853 Frank Fri, 18 May 2007 15:20:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/18/frugality-in-practice-one-mans-trash/#comment-86853 Congratulations on the free wood. If this is pressure treated lumber, you absolutely must not burn it to heat your workshop next winter, and you shouldn't cut or sand it without wearing a respirator. The gasses you'd inhale working with or burning pressure-treated lumber can cause arsenic poisoning and other nasty ailments. Congratulations on the free wood. If this is pressure treated lumber, you absolutely must not burn it to heat your workshop next winter, and you shouldn’t cut or sand it without wearing a respirator. The gasses you’d inhale working with or burning pressure-treated lumber can cause arsenic poisoning and other nasty ailments.

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