San Jose State University
Tier2-1: Materials Exchange

SJSU’s Furniture/Equipment Reuse program matches unwanted furniture to people or departments who need them, reducing the amount of old furniture that ends up in our mixed recycling bins. The furniture reuse program was implemented about five years ago but we encountered problems in that no one wanted to pay for the moves of the furniture, even though the furniture itself was free. In 2008, management support was obtained and now moves of furniture obtained through the reuse program are provided at no cost to the requester. This program is managed by SJSU’s Procurement department, and supported by the Facilities Development & Operations Recycling & Moving Services.

The type and condition of equipment and furniture determines whether the items are eligible for reuse on campus through the Furniture/Equipment Re-use Program or if it should be recycled. Several options exist, including: making property available to other departments on campus, donating items to local non-profit agencies and schools, sending equipment to a public auction under contract with the university, posting items on the Public Surplus web site, and dismantling property into separate components for recycling.