Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
ALLSTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Business is booming at Harvard University's Recycling and Surplus Center.
As vacated dormitories and offices are cleaned out, the staggering amounts of leave-behinds are sent to a large warehouse in Allston.
"We started tracking last year," said Dailey Brannin, Harvard's Recycling Services Supervisor and overseer of the center. "Our drivers picked up roughly 15,000 items, and that can include a hamper that's full of a hundred items."
Once at the warehouse, the price is right for people looking to score anything from books to furniture, to office supplies, to clothes. "Everything is free which people are still surprised by," Brannin said.
The center had modest beginnings as a way to keep valuable things out of the trash.
After dorms and offices were cleaned out, the stuff left behind was placed in a shipping container located in a parking lot.
But since then, more space was needed, and 15 years ago, the Allston warehouse was opened.
It was Jessica's first time at the center, and she was impressed. "I like rummaging through things and you definitely have to dig deep," she said.
Brannin said giving the surplus away has several benefits. "I think it's a win in multiple ways and we can give back to the community. We also have days that are only open to the Harvard community and to non-profits. We want to make sure we are providing things to people who need them."
The center is open to the public on Thursdays.
WBZ NewsRadio's Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.