Reduce & Reuse

Two Reuse Spaces On Campus:

The Mac Free Swap and The Free Swap Outlet/1550 Summit are free item exchanges run by the Macalester Sustainability Office. The exchange has been helping Macalester achieve our Zero Waste goal since 2008, emphasizing the “reduce” and “reuse” portions of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” It diverts useful materials to the Mac community for reuse instead of sending items to a landfill.

The purpose of this small-scale project based on the circular economy model is to keep the benefits of free items within the Mac community rather than contributing to businesses’ profits. This model relies on mutual aid to function because in order for folks to find items they need, other folks need to contribute items they don’t. The Free Swap is open to all Macalester community members. Drop off items that are in good condition and that can fit on a shelf. Take items you love and use heavily to ensure the resources used to produce the item do not go to waste.

Most items are accepted with the exception of the following:

Large items

Broken items

Heavily tattered or worn items

Undergarments or bathing suits

Refer to the Ramsey County A-Z Green Guide or Free Swap FAQ for information about what to do with items that are not accepted at the Free Swap.

The Free Swap Garage

LOCATION AND HOURS

Mac Free Swap is located in the garage behind the Sustainability Office at 1657 Lincoln (second house behind 77 Mac). The Free Swap is open 9am-6pm daily.

The Free Swap Outlet/1550 Summit

LOCATION AND HOURS

The Free Swap Outlet is located at 1550 Summit Ave and open on Mondays from 1-4pm and various other times throughout the year.