Kindling.. scrounge job sites, (ask first), middle school wood shop trash barrels.. (usually can make a deal with the teacher
), also look for shops that have a pile of pallets.. most time says "free".. a little time with the hammer, nail pik, & table saw.. nise pile of dry kindling.. or maybe ya know a cabinet or box maker
I'd be leary of wood from pine trees (not kiln dried lumber scraps).. unless it had sat and seasoned for at least three years, and that's cut and split first.. that crap can build up creosote real quick.
I make sure I got plenty on hand, boxed and in the basement, well before heating season starts.. keep your wood covered (top it with a tarp) outside, and keep an emergency stash in the cellar too...
looked at pellet stoves once.. just couldn't buy into the idea of it.
anytime you have to buy something that is processed.. there goes the economy of it.