Trash to Treasure is a sale of gently used and new items donated by Penn State students living in the campus residence halls. It is a cooperative effort between Penn State and the Centre County United Way. Proceeds benefit the Centre County United Way partner agencies.
The Trash to Treasure sale occurs after the spring semester (usually the first weekend after Memorial Day) at Beaver Stadium. The sale is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Buyers
Volunteers
Donors
Buyers
Is there a fee to attend?
There is an entrance fee of $5 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Spring sale. Admission is free after 9 a.m.
What is the “Tote It Away” sale?
2013 marked the first “Tote It Away” sale. Grocery store sized totes are offered for free, while supplies last. Fill the bag with clothing, shoes, and other small items for a flat fee. You can also bring your own tote, which should be 13”W x 10”D x 15”H. Larger items like fans, vacuums, and furniture will remain individually priced.
Is there a map to help navigate the Trash to Treasure sale in Beaver Stadium?
Due to the size of the Trash to Treasure sale at Beaver Stadium, customers can purchase a map to help navigate the displays. Maps can be purchased at the sale entrance for $1.
Where can I park?
Sale day parking is located at Beaver Stadium in Lot 44, Stadium West, and Porter North lots. Parking is free.
What items are typically for sale at Trash to Treasure?
You never know what kinds of treasures you’ll find at either sale. Items include lamps, fans, futons, electronics, office chairs, carpets, household items, books, vacuums, bedding, athletic equipment, and a great deal of clothing with an especially large selection for teens.
Where do the donated items come from?
Items for each sale come from various locations on campus, including students residing in Penn State’s residence halls and White Course apartments, unclaimed property from Penn State’s lost and found locations, and unsold retail items from Penn State Athletics.
Who benefits from the Trash to Treasure sales?
The Trash to Treasure sales benefit three key groups. First and foremost, the sales benefit the Centre County United Way’s partner agencies, including The Arc of Centre Country, Centre Helps, Centre Homecare, Centre Safe, Easter Seals, Housing Transitions, Strawberry Fields, and the YMCA, among many others. The sale also helps protect the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, and saves Penn State money by avoiding nearly $5,000 in landfill tip fees and hauling.
Volunteers
Who can volunteer?
The annual Spring Trash to Treasure sale needs hundreds of volunteers. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
How are volunteers utilized?
Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs. Pre-sale volunteer opportunities include sorting, organizing, and setting up displays. Sale volunteer opportunities include working the check out lines, managing gate entry, post-sale clean up, and much more. For more information on volunteering, visit https://sites.psu.edu/trash2treasure/volunteer/.
As a volunteer, do I get to shop early and can I buy during my assigned shift?
Volunteers are able to get a look at the products before sale day by working in each venue. We do not allow volunteers to purchase items prior to sale day.
Donors
What can be donated?
Donate any usable items you don’t want that are clean and in working condition. Examples include:
- bedding (quilts, sheets, blankets, pillows)
- clothing
- carpets
- toys
- athletic equipment
- computers
- printers
- fans
- light fixtures
- appliances (coffee makers, irons)
- electronics (TVs, mp3 players)
- furniture
- food (canned goods and other nonperishable items)
- cleaning supplies
How should I prepare my donations?
Appliances and electronics should be in working condition.
Carpets should be vacuumed, rolled, and tied before being dropped off at the donation area. Housekeeping or your area Housing Office can supply twine.
Clothing should be clean and placed in a bag. Housekeeping or your Housing Office can supply bags if you do not have any.
Who can donate?
Penn State students living on campus in the residence halls and White Course apartments can donate items for both sales.
Where and when are donations accepted?
Donations are accepted at the end of the spring semester. Look for signs in the residence halls or campus apartment complex for details on where donations can be dropped off.
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