FM News

CU Boulder Surplus Store Marks First Year of Major Sustainability Impact

Nancy Portner — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:18:50 +0000

CU Boulder Surplus Store Marks First Year of Major Sustainability Impact Nancy Portner Thu, 02/05/2026 - 14:18

Sustainability Wins Worth Celebrating

CU Boulder’s commitment to sustainability took a major step forward this year as the CU Boulder Surplus Store 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, CU 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 CU Boulder’s campus serves as a living laboratory for sustainability, turning everyday actions into meaningful impact,” said Andrew Mayock, CU 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 CU 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 CU Boulder’s Zero Waste goals

The store’s mission aligns closely with campuswide zero waste efforts led by the CU Environmental Center (E-Center) programs. To learn more about CU 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, CU 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 CU Boulder.

For weekly walkthrough videos, store hours and location details, visit the CU Boulder Surplus Store website.

Questions about the Surplus Store?

Contact the store at 303‑735‑0655 or email cubouldersurplus@colorado.edu.

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Introducing Roaming Ralphie: A fresh way to dine on campus

Nancy Portner — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:10:33 +0000

Introducing Roaming Ralphie: A fresh way to dine on campus Nancy Portner Wed, 01/21/2026 - 09:10

Campus Dining is excited to introduce Roaming Ralphie, our new food trailer!

This mobile dining option is designed to keep the campus community connected and well-fed—especially while dining options in the UMC are limited due to construction.

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CU Boulder takes proactive measures during extreme wind events

Nancy Portner — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:03:03 +0000

CU Boulder takes proactive measures during extreme wind events Nancy Portner Mon, 01/12/2026 - 11:03

As the Front Range recently faced two powerful wind events, CU Boulder officials coordinated action to protect the campus community and its infrastructure. Get a by-the-numbers on the impacts.

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Campus delays and closures: What you need to know

Nancy Portner — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:56:02 +0000

Campus delays and closures: What you need to know Nancy Portner Fri, 12/05/2025 - 09:56

Winter and springtime along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains can bring volatile weather conditions. CU Boulder’s campus closure policy clarifies delays and closures caused by extreme weather, power outages and other emergencies. Here’s what campus community members need to know.

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Wayfinding revamp: A clearer path ahead

Nancy Portner — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:40:15 +0000

Wayfinding revamp: A clearer path ahead Nancy Portner Fri, 11/21/2025 - 09:40

Finding your way around campus shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. Yet, outdated signage has made navigation challenging for visitors and even long-time campus members. That’s about to change.

The Campus Wayfinding Revamp Project is underway.

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Campus Tree Tour

Nancy Portner — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:50:46 +0000

Campus Tree Tour Nancy Portner Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:50

CU Boulder’s campus is full of beautiful and unique trees—and now you can learn more about them with our Campus Tree Tour. This interactive story map lets you explore different tree species, find fun facts, and see how our campus landscape is cared for. It’s a fun way to see campus from a fresh perspective.

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CU Boulder driving sustainability forward with 1st electric trash truck

Nancy Portner — Fri, 02 May 2025 19:40:44 +0000

CU Boulder driving sustainability forward with 1st electric trash truck Nancy Portner Fri, 05/02/2025 - 13:40

CU Boulder is set to receive its first electric trash truck, expected to arrive within 12 to 18 months. It will replace a diesel truck and reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 gallons.

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CU Boulder Launches New Snow Removal Webpage

Nancy Portner — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:46:56 +0000

CU Boulder Launches New Snow Removal Webpage Nancy Portner Fri, 03/07/2025 - 07:46

CU Boulder has unveiled a new webpage dedicated to snow removal, providing information on how the university manages snow to ensure campus safety and accessibility.

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Take a look at Josh’s incredible murals!

Nancy Portner — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:53:41 +0000

Take a look at Josh’s incredible murals! Nancy Portner Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:53

Our talented painter from the structural shop, Josh Bertolini, created ten masterpieces for a campus customer on the 4th floor of the ARCE building, and one (the Flatirons mural) for our FacMan sign shop.

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CU Boulder Surplus Store reduces environmental impact, saves money

Nancy Portner — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:27:31 +0000

CU Boulder Surplus Store reduces environmental impact, saves money Nancy Portner Thu, 01/16/2025 - 10:27

The CU Boulder Distribution Center announced plans to open a storefront—located at 3300 Walnut Ave., Unit A, Boulder, CO 80301—where students, faculty, staff and community members will be able to shop for surplus goods no longer in use by campus departments.

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