Go to freecycle.org, search for the group nearest you and sign up. You can then post, on the message board, either things you have that you want to give away, or things that you are looking for (scrabble tiles). People then will respond to you if they want what you have, or have what you want. Make arrangements with that person to pick-up, and voila, free stuff (or a clean garage, depending on your motivation). The site can give you more details.
The one big rule is that no money can be exchanged. Everything is free.
I cleared out a whole lot of "garbage" and even picked up a free saxophone! Its the greatest thing ever!