Boulder Surplus Store Marks First Year of Major Sustainability Impact
Sustainability Wins Worth Celebrating
Boulder’s commitment to sustainability took a major step forward this year as the celebrated its first full year of operation—and the numbers show just how much progress the campus has made in waste diversion and reuse.
Opened in January 2025, the Surplus Store was created to give university-owned items a second life while offering affordable options for students, faculty, staff and the community. From clothing and office furniture to electronics and lab equipment, the store has quickly become a resource for those looking to save money, reduce waste and participate in a more circular campus economy.
A year of measurable impact
In its first full year, the Surplus Store saw dramatic growth in both the volume of items redistributed and the materials diverted from the landfill. Compared to the year prior to its soft opening, the number of items moved through direct sales, campus sales and donations increased by 311%—jumping from 3,427 items to 14,086. Total material tonnage diverted from disposal also rose sharply, growing by 262%, from 115.49 tons to 418.6 tons.
To put this impact into perspective, Boulder generates nearly 5,000 tons of waste each year, diverting about half through recycling, composting, and reuse. The Surplus Store plays a major role in that effort, helping to manage materials that make up nearly 10% of the campus’s total diversion by mass and 20% of the university’s overall waste‑diversion impact. And because reuse gives material a useful second life, it delivers on our goal to build a circular economy for our campus and the region.
“These results show what’s possible when we make sustainability simple and accessible,” said Walter O’Toole, assistant director of Distribution Services. “Every item reused saves resources and supports our campus community.”
“The Surplus Store is a great example of how Boulder’s campus serves as a living laboratory for sustainability, turning everyday actions into meaningful impact,” said Andrew Mayock, Boulder’s vice chancellor for sustainability. “By extending the life of university materials, we reduce waste, lower our environmental footprint and strengthen our culture of reuse. This progress moves our campus toward a more sustainable future and offers a model for other campuses and communities.”
Circularity in action - and at an accessible price
Beyond reducing waste, the Surplus Store also supports equity and affordability on campus. By reselling high quality items at low cost - including sit-stand desks, Windows-11-ready laptops, dorm essentials and clothing - the store makes essential resources more accessible for both students and community members.
This model of reuse is central to Boulder’s circularity efforts: keeping materials in use longer, reducing the need for new purchases and ensuring that valuable goods remain available within the campus community rather than ending up in the landfill.
Weekly walkthrough videos on the store’s website help shoppers preview what’s available before visiting in person.
“The growth we have seen is exciting because it shows people really want to participate in reuse,” said Denise Worthington, property services program manager. “Every item that finds a new home makes a difference.”
Supporting Boulder’s Zero Waste goals
The store’s mission aligns closely with campuswide zero waste efforts led by the Environmental Center (E-Center) programs. To learn more about Boulder’s recycling, composting and waste reduction initiatives, check out our zero waste website.
Getting there is easier than ever
Visitors can reach the Surplus Store by using Buff Ride, Boulder’s on‑demand transit service, which includes a stop at the Distribution Center.
Celebrate the first year and see what’s next
As the Surplus Store marks its one‑year anniversary, the campus community is invited to stop by, explore available items and learn how their purchases help support a more sustainable Boulder.
For weekly walkthrough videos, store hours and location details, visit the
Questions about the Surplus Store?
Contact the store at 303‑735‑0655 or email cubouldersurplus@colorado.edu.