With frequent office moves, remodeling, and other changes in the fast-paced university setting, high-quality furniture, equipment and supplies can become a burden rather than an asset. In an effort to address this opportunity and better utilize these items, Washington University has signed up for Rheaply, an exciting new software platform that facilitates the internal recirculation of unwanted materials.
This new tool is accessible by staff, faculty and students across departments and campuses and will support peer-to-peer sharing, enabling users to quickly find an item they need, and promotes re-homing unwanted items efficiently through the university.
The main goal for this program is to keep materials out of landfills and reduce the need for departments to buy new items when excellent options are unneeded elsewhere. The result is better utilization of both financial resources and natural resources – a true win-win.
In addition to developing an internal market place that develops a “circular economy” within WashU, we are actively developing relationships with area non-profits and businesses that can utilize materials when an internal placement is not possible. If you know of a non-profit that may be a good fit, please encourage them to submit an application here.
Ready to learn more and start trading?
- Start with viewing the demonstration video to learn how it works.
- Set up a user account at Rheaply.com (use your WashU email to utilize single-sign on and connect within the WashU environment).
- You will be able to start browsing or creating your own surplus property listings.
Save the date! A Rheaply Launch Party will take place on Nov. 7 in Jubel Hall 121 from 11:30a-1p. Learn more about the program and how to sign up. A light lunch will be provided. RSVP now.
As a user of the Rheaply tool and an employee of Washington University in St. Louis, you are responsible for adhering to your departmental policy on Surplus Property exchange. Employees must be authorized by their department to sell or donate items through the Rheaply Platform. Please contact your departmental supervisor to learn about any policies your department has on selling or accepting Surplus Property. Purchasing Services offers no warranty or guarantee on items listed. Learn more.
Find more resources regarding surplus property and purchasing through Resource Management. Contact Lisa Owens, owenslisa@wustl.edu, with any questions.