Unveiling the Treasures of the University of Washington Surplus Store

The University of Washington (UW) Surplus Store is a unique and valuable resource, operating under state surplus regulations as an integral part of the University and the state of Washington. Its primary mission is to reuse, repurpose, and recycle unwanted items from all UW departments and medical facilities, reselling them to UW departments, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the general public. This endeavor significantly contributes to reducing the University's climate impact by diverting usable items from landfills.

A Treasure Trove of Ever-Changing Inventory

UW Surplus boasts a diverse and constantly evolving inventory. New items arrive daily, ensuring a fresh selection for shoppers. You can find everything from everyday essentials to the truly unusual. The store offers:

Common Items: Furniture, office supplies, computers, housewares, laboratory equipment, machinery, and athletic gear.
Uncommon Items: Harpsichords, vessels, antique electronics, trucks, boats, airplanes, decommissioned police cruisers, smoothie machines, incubators, wooden card catalogs, football shoes, a giant foam comet, and even a submarine.

The store is arranged with items displayed on warehouse racks, open floor space, and shelved aisles, inviting customers to browse and discover hidden gems.

Pricing and Purchasing

All items in the store are flat-priced, adhering to a "No Dicker Sticker" system. Prices are clearly marked on each item using either a large, two-part green tag or a small, yellow sticker-tag.

Green Tag: Remove the bottom half of the tag and bring it to the sales counter to purchase the item. If the bottom half of the tag is missing, the item has already been sold.
Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. Personal checks and Husky cards are not accepted. UW department purchases require the department’s Worktag information.

Removal and Pick-Up

Customers are given one week to pick up their purchased items. Items left after one week may be re-tagged and re-sold without a refund, so prompt pick-up is essential. The store provides large wheeled dollies and assistance to help with moving larger items. Loading dock information can be found on the hours and directions page.

Repurposing: Giving Items a New Life

UW Surplus embraces the concept of repurposing, recognizing that items no longer needed for their original purpose can find new life and utility. The store encourages creativity and resourcefulness, highlighting examples such as:

Old boat propellers turned into hanging lights.
Wooden card catalogs refinished as striking interior design accents.
Used lab coats turned into scarecrows.
Old silverware turned into amazing jewelry.

Sustainability Initiatives

The UW Surplus Store actively contributes to the University's sustainability goals. By reselling and repurposing unwanted items, the store diverts waste from landfills, promotes resource conservation, and reduces the environmental impact associated with producing new goods. The store also participates in initiatives like bike sales, offering surplus bicycles to the public several times a year.

Location and Hours

The UW Surplus warehouse is located at 4515 25th Ave NE Seattle, WA. Customers can park in one of the two load out spots in front of the purple garage door and call 206-685-1573 or ring the doorbell at the loading dock for assistance. The store is closed on UW-scheduled holidays.

Important Information for Online Purchases

The University of Washington also provides an online storefront that empowers more people to shop sustainably for furniture, office essentials, and more.

Selection varies depending on what we have in stock. We do not hold or set aside items for public sale. Items not removed will be put up for sale again, without refund, unless prior arrangements have been made. Please wait for the second notification before coming to collect your item(s). It may take up to two business days for your order to be fulfilled.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Pick up your items at the UW Surplus warehouse, located at 4515 25th Ave NE Seattle, WA. Park in one of our two load out spots in front of our purple garage door. Call us from your vehicle at 206-685-1573 or ring the doorbell at our loading dock.

Tips for a Successful Shopping Experience

Purchase Early: High-demand items may sell quickly, so act fast if you find something you want. Placing an item in your cart does NOT reserve or hold an item.
Multiple Orders: If you place multiple orders, wait for notifications for all orders before picking them up.
Text Message Notifications: Sign up for text message notifications to receive order updates.
Check Your Spam Folder: If you haven't received a notification within two business days, check your spam folder.
Final Sales: All sales are final upon removal of the property. Refunds must be requested before removing the property from the warehouse.

A Word on Goats and Humor

Adding a touch of whimsy to the experience, the UW Surplus Store is known for its playful humor. The store acknowledges rumors of goat visits and embraces puns, creating a lighthearted atmosphere for shoppers.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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