Recycling and the barter system in Poland

I thought with the credit crunch and all, this might be a good time to discuss and share ideas on Recycling and the barter system.

I will start with the barter system, of course money is useful, it is a representation of a value but I would like for you all to share your experiences of people helping each other to both of their advantages.

An example, my roof had a leek last autumn, a friend knew a roofer, the roofer has a potato field but no tractor, my friend has a tractor but needs someone to help him cut the wood for winter.

Do you see where this is going?
We all came out happy:)

Of course recycling is not just putting plastic bottles into recycling bins. Although this also cuts on waste charges.
Have you any tips on how to reuse things?
The guy across the road from me, has a tractor he made himself.
I have just broken up the last of an old fence to use as fire wood.
I used to reuse stamps.
Any more examples?

Just a tip if you want a few quid in Poland, apply for a telephone line, I applied last year and now the postman comes around with 50 Zlotys from the telephone company, he has just been and gone :)

what do you mean?


when I was living in Poland I would put the stuff I wanted to get rid of by the garbage bin with a little note that " this blanket is still good". It was nicely packed and all that. I do it here as well, if the equipment is broken - I leave a note, so the happy bugger does not take it home and have his fuses blown out.

The can't run a landline so by law they have to pay me.
Actually they just offered me a radio line, which I don't want but it stopped them from paying me any more.


In London they are very good at that, people make a living off collecting, tables sofas TVs etc...

OK- I understand now.


well, you might want to know that I just recycled my old phone and tomorrow I am giving some clothes to charity:). Thanks for the suggestion.

At last! After years of discussions, they are starting to install can and bottles reverse vending machines. I enthusiastically used them in the USA 30 years ago. So my theory that Poland is 30 years behind the USA is correct.