Rummage in the Ramp

NOW AVAILABLE 'ROAMING RUMMAGE' WEST-SIDE LOCATION
FRIDAY JULY 30th, 2PM-6PM, ROOSEVELT SCHOOL PARKING LOT

DONATIONS ACCEPTED WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO THE SALE BY RUMMAGE IN THE RAMP VOLUNTEERS. $5 FEE PER ELECTRONIC ITEM

What is Rummage in the Ramp?

Rummage in the Ramp is a City-sponsored effort to keep tons of still-usable-but-no-longer-needed furniture, bedding, clothing and household items out of the landfill when the annual lease changeover occurs at the end of July – and then put these items to good use for the community.

How does it work?

Rather than throwing things away, students, tenants and other citizens are encouraged to donate their no-longer-needed items to Rummage in the Ramp, a giant garage sale sponsored by the City of Iowa City. The donated items are then offered for sale to incoming students, low-income families, and any other residents who are looking for great bargains on items for their home. The sales events are held for a full week, staffed by local environmental and human services non-profit groups. These groups then split the profits from the sale to help fund their work in the community.

What items can I donate?

• Beds, box springs, and frames
• Books
• Clean clothes in good condition
• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Non-perishable food items
• Electronic items such as computers, monitors, printers, TVs, stereos, copiers, cables, networking hardware, and other small electronic items will be accepted with a $5 disposal fee assessed for each item (in case they do not sell at the event). A fee is necessary as these items contain lead and other substances which are harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly.

When can I donate... and where?

Bring your items to the Chauncey Swan parking ramp, under the College Street bridge, anytime during the following donation and sales hours:

• Sunday, July 25 to Monday, August 2: Noon to 8:00 p.m. daily
• Saturday, July 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Scheduled collections: varies (see next section)

Volunteers will be on hand to visually inspect and help unload your donation. Items beyond reuse will not be accepted. Donated items are tax-deductible—please ask for a receipt! Please note that a $5 recycling fee will be charged PER electronic item in case we cannot sell it. This includes televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computers, monitors, printers, etc.

What if I can't get my donation to the ramp?

Our non-profit volunteers will come to you for $10! You must be present for the pick-up. Please have your items boxed, bagged and in front of your house or apartment at the time of your scheduled pick-up. A $5 recycling fee will be charged PER electronic item. A sign-up will be available in mid-July for the following time slots here.

Sunday 25-Jul noon to 4 p.m.
Monday 26-Jul 4 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday 27-Jul 4 - 8 p.m.
Wednesday 28-Jul 4 - 8 p.m.
Thursday 29-Jul 4 - 8 p.m.
Sunday 1-Aug noon to 4 p.m.

Also this year, Rummage in the Ramp will also sponsor 'Roaming Rummage', a west-side pickup location where donors can drop off their items and have them transported to the sale by Rummage volunteers. Donation hours for 'Roaming Rummage' are Friday July 30th, 2-6pm in the Roosevelt School parking lot. No need to sign up, just show up and drop off your gently-used items. $5 per fee per electronic item.

When will items be available for sale?

The donations and sales periods will run at the same time:

• Sunday, July 25 to Monday, August 2: Noon to 8:00 p.m. daily
• Saturday, July 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Most items are priced at $1, $5, $10 and $20. Stop by during any of these hours to see the great deals and complete the recycling circle!

Why should I participate?

• Your contribution helps protect our resources by minimizing the amount of waste that is headed to the landfill, Many items that end up at the Iowa City Landfill are in great shape and are still usable – so if you have items you no longer need or want, RECYCLE them so that others can RE-USE!
• By donating items, you’ll save some disposal costs…and possibly get more of your rental deposit back!
• You’ll help other students and families find items they need at low, low prices.
• Whether you DONATE or BUY items during this event, you’ll be helping local non-profits raise funds for their operation and programs!

How else can I help?

You can become a sponsor! Your sponsorship—whether it be $50 or $500—will help cover the costs of sign printing, and other expenses. This means that our nonprofits will ultimately generate more money from the event, as costs will not need to be deducted.

Contact Rebecca Raab or 356-5231 for more information.

Thank you to our 2010 sponsors!

What non-profit agencies are participating in 2010?

What was the response in previous years?

Rummage in the Ramp	2007	2008	2009
numbers of donors	250	320	564
number of shoppers	800	1124	2062
tons of material received	20	19	24
tons to landfill after sale	1.5	2	1.1
tons recycled after sale	1.1	0.5	0.25
volunteer agency groups	10	12	22
number of volunteers	70	105	155
income	$4,090	$8,957	$13,540
income per group	$410	$698	$575
sponsors	0	3	8