Clean & Swap
Clean & Swap is an annual event when Pitt employees and graduate students can clear out unwanted office and laboratory items, then “shop” among the items for free! All donated items will find new homes with other Pitt departments, via Pitt Surplus, or with local nonprofits.
By reusing office supplies, departments can save resources (of all kinds) and reduce waste to the landfill. Since 2020, Pitt has diverted over 5 tons (10,311 pounds) of office and medical supplies through Clean & Swap.
Office Materials:
Medical Supplies:
- Furniture: Desks, chairs, tables, etc.
- Contact Pitt Surplus for large items
- Electronics: Desktop printers, laptops, monitors, CPUs, peripherals (mice, keyboards, cables, etc.), phones, cameras, etc.
- Office Supplies: Folders, binders, paper, ink & toner, clipboards, paper and binder clips, pens, markers, etc.
- Office Essentials: Filing cabinets, organizational items, dry erase boards, desk lamps, plants, wall decor, etc
- Kitchenette Items: Coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, cutlery, dishware, mini-fridges, etc
- Textiles: Clothing, shoes, other fabrics
- Books
Clean & Swap Partners
Clean & Swap is a cross-campus and regional partnership, including the following organizations who accept the materials year-round, reducing waste and supporting communities near and far:
History of Clean & Swap
2020 – The first Clean & Swap was held, redirecting 728 pounds of unwanted office and laboratory items to other Pitt departments, Pitt Surplus, and the Educational Partnership.
2022 – Clean & Swap helped divert 1.5 tons (3,156 pounds) of office and medical supplies no longer needed by Pitt offices, labs, and departments. An additional call to donate unwanted medical supplies to be given to local nonprofit Global Links was added to the event.
2023 – Clean & Swap helped divert 3 tons (6,427 pounds) of office items, medical supplies, and personal electronics from the landfill. Through connections made at Clean & Swap, 7,800 face shields were saved from the landfill by connecting a department with overstock with another department in need.
