Pickup safety

Check that it is free

Only collect items that have clearly been offered. If a listing says "No sign: spotted on the kerb", look before you take: if it is on private property, looks like it is being moved or delivered, or someone tells you it is not free, leave it.

Never enter a private home, yard, driveway or building to take something unless the owner has invited you.

Collecting from the kerb

• Park legally and do not block roads, driveways or footpaths.
• Take only what was offered and leave the area tidy.
• Do not take items from skips, building sites, charity bins or beside donation points.
• Kerbside clean-up rules differ between councils. If you are unsure, check your council's rules first.

Plan a safe handover

For inside pickups, wait until the owner approves your request and shares the instructions. Go at the agreed time and let the owner know if you can no longer make it.

Meet in daylight where you can, tell someone where you are going, and consider taking another person with you. If anything feels wrong, leave.

Lifting and transport

Many freebies are heavy or awkward. Bring a second person for furniture and whitegoods, use a suitable vehicle, and tie loads down properly.

Do not lift more than you safely can, and keep children and pets clear while loading.

Check the item before you use it

Items are given away as they are, with no guarantee.

• Have electrical and gas appliances checked before use.
• Be careful with baby and children's items such as cots, prams, car seats and toys: check they meet current Australian safety standards and have not been recalled (see productsafety.gov.au).
• Check furniture and mattresses for damage, mould and pests before taking them home.

Prohibited items

Do not post weapons, illegal or recalled goods, hazardous materials, unsafe electrical equipment, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, medicines, live animals, or age-restricted items. Report listings that appear unsafe or are not clearly free.

Keep details private

Leave phone numbers, emails, faces, number plates and house numbers out of photos and descriptions.

For inside pickups only the suburb is public. Share your private pickup instructions only with the collector you approve.

If something goes wrong

Use "Report this item" on a listing that is unsafe, not free or misleading, or email ask@streetfreebies.com.au.

In an emergency, or if you feel unsafe, call 000.